Corticosteroids with Reduced Side Effects

BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been used therapeutically for many years to treat a range of inflammatory conditions as immunosuppressants and in the treatment of certain cancers. These compounds are the most potent and effective anti-inflammatory agents known. Their use has been limited however by their multiple and often devastating side effects. As anti-inflammatory agents, GCs have two primary modes of action. One is responsible for the unwanted side effects and the other for the desirable anti-inflammatory action. Through extensive investigation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR), researchers at the University of Manchester have found that these two actions can be separated. This opens the way to more extensive use of corticosteroids with less concern about the side effects which currently restrict their wider application. THE TECHNOLOGY The foundation research carried out on the GR has been used to develop a series of selective glucocorticoids that maximise the desired action whilst minimising the undesirable side effects. These novel dexamethasone (Dex) D ring substituted glucocorticoids have been developed and tested in a panel of human cell-based assays with very positive results. Several compounds are currently being assessed for efficacy and basic toxicology in preliminary in-vivo studies. KEY BENEFITS
• Reduced side effects with equivalent anti-inflammatory efficacy
• Broader therapeutic applicability in systemic inflammatory conditions
• High value proprietary compounds to extend existing market
• For the first time a viable alternative to non steroidal anti inflammatory agents
• The compounds are novel derivatives of existing compounds in everyday use APPLICATIONS
• Inflammatory arthropathy
• Asthma and chronic obstructive airway conditions
• A range of systemic malignancies
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Transplant rejection PATENT STATUS Patents granted or pending in PCT countries OPPORTUNITY Of interest to Biotech and Pharma companies and agencies with a view to collaborative research and development as a candidate drug.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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