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

Section: For Industry

Categories: "Respiratory Diseases"

Reference #: 1999-032

OTC Contact: Sharon E. Prisco, M.S., J.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 binds to Retinoid-Acid- Receptor (RAR).

Applications

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

Advantages

  •  Specific targeting of alveolar formation (using isotype-specific receptor agonist) can reduced the undesired side effects causing by non-specific signaling.
  • Use of RARβ 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

Studies in mice demonstrate that alveolus formation is promoted in vivo by inhibition of RARβ receptor.

Relevant Publications

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

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. Patents 6,303,648 “Composition and Methods for the Treatment and Prevention of Lung Disease” Issued on October 19, 2001.