Isotype-Specific Retinoic Acid Receptor (RARγ) agonists for the Treatment and Prevention of Lung Disease

Section: For Industry

Categories: "Respiratory Diseases"

Reference #: 1999-033

OTC Contact: Sharon E. Prisco, M.S., J.D. (Directory Information | Send a Message)

Description

The present invention is directed to the treatment and prevention of lung diseases associated with alveolar deficiencies. The invention embodies methods and compositions for isotype-specific Retinoic Acid receptor (RAR) agonists, that modulates RARγ activity specifically to inhibit alveolar destruction and/or to promote the formation of alveoli.

Applications

  • Treatment and prevention of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and Emphysema
  • To increase the gas-exchange surface area of lung

Advantages

  • Specific targeting of alveolar formation (using isotype-specific receptor agonist) can reduced the undesired side effects causing by non-specific signaling.
  • Use of RARγ agonists when used in combination with All-trans-Retinoic Acid (ATRAs) can reduce the effective doses of ATRAs as well may result in synergistic therapeutic effect.

Stage of Development

Proof-of-concept demonstrated in mice.

Relevant Publications

Massaro et al., "Retinoic acid treatment abrogates elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in rats," Nature Medicine, 1997. Vol. 3, No. 6,675-677.

Massaro et al., "Postnatal treatment with retinoic acid increases the number of pulmonary alveoli in rats," Am. J. Physiol., 1996. 270, L305-L310.

INVENTORS: Roshantha A Chandraratna, Donald Massaro, and Gloria Massaro

Patent Status

U.S. patent 6,492,414 “Composition and Methods for the Treatment and Prevention of Lung Disease” Issued on December 12, 2002. US Patent Applications # 11/180,169 and 11/897,026 pending.