CMS Pathway™ - the path that links cell matrix signaling to endothelial cell function, smooth muscle cell function and disease

Our technology platform and drug discovery approach is based upon the CMS Pathway™. This pathway describes the sophisticated communication and feedback between two essential cell types found in the blood vessels, namely endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. The endothelial cells form the outer lining of the blood vessel and perform the function of "gatekeeper". These cells determine the types of molecules that are transported from blood to the tissues. Underlying the endothelial cells are the smooth muscle cells which provide mechanical strength to the blood vessel and are essential to the overall integrity of the blood vessel. Both of these cells, the endothelial cells and the smooth muscle cells, manufacture and secrete molecules into the space surrounding them that form a matrix or scaffold that holds the blood vessel together.

The function of these cells is controlled through extracellular molecules. Research in the past decade has demonstrated that there is a sophisticated system of communication between endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and the rest of the body. The information system for endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells is based upon molecules secreted into the matrix. These messengers dictate the growth of these cells, the movement of these cells, and the overall function (or dysfunction) of these cells. This is the CMS Pathway™ and it controls the function of the blood vessels. Through control of blood vessels, this pathway controls the function of the surrounding tissues. The location of the blood vessel within the body determines which of a variety of tissue functions can be affected. The CMS Pathway™ is integral to all tissues, therefore our technology platform enables us to design therapeutics to a diverse set of disease states.

We have identified key molecular targets that act as crucial "switches" that control the function of the CMS Pathway™. We are identifying novel chemical entities, that modulate this pathway to positive therapeutic effect. Depending upon the blood vessel or tissue that is targeted, the therapeutics that we design for the CMS Pathway™ will be able to treat complications arising from cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and diabetes.

Our drug discovery approach combines proprietary knowledge of the regulation of key genes and regulation of essential protein function in the CMS Pathway™. We are using state of the art approaches to examine the genes and proteins of the CMS Pathway™. These methods include DNA micro-array technologies, proteomics and directed chemistry approaches. Our internal research program is complemented by our counterparts in Discovery Research located in Hyderabad, India. Discovery Research, a division of Dr. Reddy's has a research force of over 300 scientists in chemistry, biology, and manufacturing.