Targeting C/EBP-beta Phosphorylation for the Treatment of Lung Fibrosis

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Activation of lung myofibroblasts LMF is responsible for the development of lung fibrosis in chronic lung diseases of all causes and remarkably LMF clearance by apoptosis may prevent development of lung fibrosis and lung injury and possibly allow recovery from reversal of lung fibrosis There is full agreement among tissue fibrosis experts that inhibiting o reversing myofibroblast activation the therapeutic target is critical fr the treatment of lung fibrosis Both preventing progression of lung fibrosis as well as possibly regression of lung fibrosis in spite of continued lung injury as we documented in our pre clinical
studies are considered important clinical targets for patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis IPF Finally blocking the progression of lung fibrosis may decrease development of lung cancer The basis for our Research and Development is the development of novel andapos humanizedandapos peptoids not previously reported We created a library using analog synthesis to improve potential pitfalls for human therapy We have performed in a step wise manner assays to select the safest and most efficient andapos humanizedandapos peptoids including apoptosis assays in activated primary human myofibroblasts cell free caspase activation assays lung injury fibrogenesis models preliminary toxicology assays in mice We have developed novel and highly effective anti fibrotic peptoids in animal models with no evidences of immunogenicity in state of the art T cell assays and with exceptional stability in mouse microsomal systems and mouse blood The lead peptoid has excellent solubility in water These features should facilitate administration
by inhalation with increased bioavailability to the LMF during clinical trials The proposed compounds markedly inhibit activation of human and mouse myofibroblast in culture These compounds were not toxic in the preliminary toxicology studies including pilot toxicogenomics to mice at least at fold the therapeutic dose The aims that are proposed for this Phase STTR are Specific Aim Efficacy of the Lead Peptoid in Lung Fibrosis Mouse Models Specific Aim Pharmacokinetics Single and Multiple doses in Mice and Stability Assays in vitro in Human Lung Microsomes and Human Plasma There is no medication for the treatment of lung fibrosis in IPF Completion of these tasks for the proposed compounds will allow us proceeding with a Phase STTR and clinical development in patients with IPF

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis IPF through inflammation and injury induce the development of scar tissue in the lung this is called lung fibrosis Excessive lung fibrosis can result in lung dysfunction which accounts for the significant complications and mortality among the population with IPF The personal medical and financial burden of IPF to the USA is substantial as it is associated with a very poor prognosis and high mortality Additional knowledge gained by Xfibra with this work will facilitate the development of medication given by inhalation for the treatment of IPF The inhalation route of administration is simple highly feasible given the exceptional solubility and stability of the therapeutic compound
and relatively inexpensive to produce