Novel method for treating COPD

Reference Number TO 01-00245

The Challenge

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality throughout the world. COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the world, and further increases in the  prevalence and mortality of the disease can be predicted in the coming decades. While cigarette smoking is a major known risk factor, much remains to be learned about other causes of this disease.
COPD is usually a progressive disease, and a patient’s lung function can be expected to worsen over time, even with the best available care. Various therapeutics are used to control symptoms, among others bronchodilators, glucocorticosteroids , antibiotics, antimycolytics, immunoregulators, antitussives, vasodilators, respiratory stimulants and vaccines. However non of the existing medications for COPD has been shown to modify the long term decline in lung function that is the hallmark of this disease.
It remains a great challenge to develop a real cure for COPD not just a treatment for symptoms.

	COPD

The Technology
Disorders in the protease/protease inhibitor equilibrium are the cause underlying the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases, especially of COPD. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), secreted by alveolar macrophages lead to irreversible damages of the lung tissue and thus result in decrease of respiratory functions. Among MMPs in COPD, it is particularly the secretion of MMP-9 metalloprotease which is increased in the airways and alveoles and can no longer be completely neutralized by its natural antagonist TIMP-1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease). It has been shown according to the invention that vitamin A inhibits MMP-9 expression and at the same time stimulates expression of TIMP-1.

Commercial Opportunity
A novel therapy approach for COPD could be established via the efficient reduction of  tissue destructive potential of the proteolytic system by vitamin A. This would be the first development towards a cure for COPD in contrary to the simple abatement of symptoms as it is done today.

Patent situation
A priority application DE10012151A1 was filed March 13th, 2000. International applications WO0168081A1: agent for treating illnesses of the tracheobronchial tract, esp. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), US20030064094A1 EP1263422A1 AU0152192A5 and JP2003528055T2 were also filed.

Further Reading
Frankenberger M. et al.; Mol Med. 2001 Apr;7(4):263-70.

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Kontakt:

Sigrid Scheek, Ph.D.
Ascenion GmbH

T: +49 (0)89 318814-34
F: +49 (0)89 318814-20

scheek@ascenion.de