EPITRACKER INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N182-128

Description

Epitracker Inc. is developing a once daily oral supplement to prevent aging-associated diseases in Navy bottlenose dolphins. As dolphins age, some individuals develop chronic conditions, including inflammation, anemia, and metabolic syndrome. While modified fish diets may help stem these conditions, lack of ideal commercial fish stocks has resulted in a need to identify specific health-protective molecules for Navy dolphins and to provide these compounds as daily supplements. Epitracker has established a proprietary library of natural compounds present in dolphin sera that have protective profiles against aging-associated conditions. ETI-101, Epitracker’s lead compound, safely lowers inflammation, raises hematocrit, and attenuates metabolic syndrome in animal models. While ETI-101 is an encouraging candidate for a Navy dolphin supplement, there is a need to assess additional compounds that may be provided as supplements to improve Navy dolphin health. In this Phase I SBIR, Epitracker will screen in vitro safety, anti-inflammatory activity, and erythrocyte-protective capabilities of 12 compounds from our library. Phase II SBIR studies will advance up to five of these compounds toward product-ready supplements for Navy dolphins. Partnerships with larger consumer product companies will be sought to help commercialize our supplements to improve the health of aging companion animals and humans.