Louisiana Patent of the Month – February 2025

Tumorend LLC has taken a groundbreaking step in the field of glycobiology, unlocking a new therapeutic approach to combat inflammation, cancer, and immune dysfunction. While research in genomics and proteomics has revolutionized medicine, the field of glycomics—the study of complex carbohydrate structures—has lagged due to the intricate nature of glycan biosynthesis. Tumorend’s innovation changes that.

By leveraging “decoy” dead-end substrates, Tumorend has mapped key biosynthetic pathways that drive tumor cell interactions. This breakthrough has led to the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors that disrupt glycan biosynthesis. Unlike traditional receptor-ligand antagonists, which target specific binding interactions, Tumorend’s inhibitors intervene at the biosynthetic level, preventing the formation of selectin ligands and other glycan structures that facilitate cancer metastasis, inflammation, and viral infections. This broad-spectrum approach provides a more effective and balanced therapeutic profile, reducing toxicity and adverse effects.

Selectins—cell adhesion molecules—play a crucial role in immune responses, tumor metastasis, and inflammation. Their natural ligands are glycan structures that serve as docking points for cellular interactions. Tumorend’s inhibitors effectively block these ligands’ biosynthesis, thereby preventing disease-related cell adhesion. This pioneering strategy disrupts multiple pathological processes simultaneously, offering a powerful new tool for treating conditions driven by aberrant cell adhesion.

The implications of Tumorend’s discovery extend beyond cancer treatment. By controlling glycan-mediated interactions, these inhibitors could pave the way for novel therapies targeting autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and even viral infections. As glycobiology enters a new era, Tumorend LLC is at the forefront, positioning this once-overlooked field for a long-overdue therapeutic renaissance.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.