Mission



At FASgen, our mission is to develop and commercialize small molecule therapeutics and diagnostics using fatty acid biosynthesis targets. Since fatty acid biosynthesis is vital to nearly all life forms, inhibition of this process provides a broad platform for the investigation of many useful drug targets. Our initial approach is the selective inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FAS). Using this target, we are creating novel treatments for cancer, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases and other serious widespread diseases. Among other accomplishments to date, we have developed a broad portfolio of FAS inhibitors, synthesized hundreds of unique small molecules that exhibit FAS inhibition (and other useful biological effects) and developed in vitro and in vivo models to demonstrate the effectiveness of these compounds.

To achieve our mission, FASgen will:

  • Maintain its strong commitment to basic research with broad participation of the JHU faculty through our sponsored research agreements.

  • Expand our research and development capability to quickly assess the biologic activity and potential of FAS inhibitors as drugs.

  • Continue to design and synthesize new compounds

  • Finish preclinical studies of tuberculosis and paratuberculosis compounds and initiate clinical trials.

  • Complete preclinical studies of the most promising anticancer compounds required to initiate early human trials for "orphan indications".

  • Collaborate with a major pharmaceutical company to develop our compounds for metabolic diseases in order to fully cultivate their potential.
Copyright © 2008 FASgen, Inc.