Treatment of Age-Related Lung Abnormalities Using Estrogen and/or Retinoids

Section: For Industry

Category(ies): Viruses, Chronic and Infectious Diseases

Reference #: MADO433806

OTC Contact: Ruchika Nijhara, Ph.D. (Directory Information | Send a Message)

Description

The present invention is directed to methods of treating an age-related loss of lung function. The invention describes use of an estrogen and/or retinoid that specifically bind to Retinoid-Acid- Receptor (RAR).

Applications

  • Treating pulmonary diseases such as COPD, asthma, and coronary artery disease
  • Treating the age-related loss of alveoli or gas-exchange.
  • Diagnostic tool to identify genetic or acquired defect involving RAR function.

Advantages

Stage of Development

Stage of Development: Studies demonstrate that postnatal administration of retinoic acid increases the number of alveoli in rats.

Inventors: Donald Massaro, and Gloria De Carlo Massaro

Relevant Publications

  • “Estrogen regulates pulmonary alveolar formation, loss, and regeneration in mice. Massaro et al; Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. (2004) . Dec; 287(6):L1154-9.
  • "Postnatal treatment with retinoic acid increases the number of pulmonary alveoli in rats", Massaro et al, Am. J. Physiol. (1996)., 270, L305-L310

Patent Status

U.S Patent Application # 10/513,136 entitled “Treatment of Age-Related Lung Abnormalities Using Estrogen and/or Retinoids” filed on June 1, 2005.