This technology comprises methods for treating asthmatic bronchoconstriction through the stimulation of sphingolipid production in the airways and lungs.
A number of medications are currently available for treatment and prevention of asthma, including anti-inflammatory agents, leukotriene modifiers, long-acting beta agonists, theophylline, and inhaled corticosteroids. While these medications are useful, some have side effects and many must be taken on long-term basis. Limitations in the understanding of the mechanisms that cause asthma have restricted the development of therapeutics. As a result, no curative treatments for asthma are currently available.
This technology provides a method for reducing airway constriction and the susceptibility for asthma by increasing sphingolipid synthesis. Impaired SL pathways have been found to lead to airway hyperactivity. As such, this technology identifies agents capable of inducing de novo SL synthesis in the airways and lungs for the potential treatment of asthma. By activating de‐novo SL synthesis or increasing metabolites of the de‐novo SL synthesis pathway, airway responsiveness can be modified. Therefore, this technology offers a potential treatment for asthma by effectively reducing bronchoconstriction and alleviating airway hyperactivity.
This technology has been validated in a mouse model, where increases in sphingolipid synthesis in respiratory epithelial cells were found to alleviate bronchial hyper-reactivity.
IR CU12159
Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka
