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Bacterial-Induced Sepsis: A New Treatment Strategy

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 2R44AI065000-04A1
Agency Tracking Number: R44AI065000
Amount: $2,995,281.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: NIAID
Solicitation Number: PA10-050
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2611 SW 3RD AVE, STE 200
PORTLAND, OR 97201-4952
United States
DUNS: 032263092
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 SHARON MCCOY
 (503) 525-4884
 mccoys@ohsu.edu
Business Contact
 STEVEN HEFENEIDER
Phone: (503) 525-4887
Email: hefeneid@ohsu.edu
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Sepsis is a prevalent and life-threatening medical condition characterized by development of a dysregulated inflammatory immune response and associated tissue damage. This dysregulated inflammatory response is initiatedby activation of Toll-Like receptor (TLR) signaling in response to bacteria and/or bacterial products, such as LPS. Current treatments are limited and involve the use of antibiotics to control infection and supportive measures to assist patients with multi-organ failure. New treatment strategies are needed to address the dysregulated immune response seen in patients with sepsis, thereby limiting tissue damage and enhancing survival rates. We have identified and characterized a novel peptide, termed P13, apotent yet temporary inhibitor of intracellular TLR signaling. Studies performed under the current Phase II SBIR grant have i) demonstrated that P13 is a potent inhibitor of in vivo serum inflammatory mediators in animals administered both low-dose and high-dose LPS, ii) established the efficacy of P13 to significantly enhance survival rates in a lethal high-dose LPS-induced model of sepsis, iii) established the efficacy of P13 to enhance survival rates in the clinically relevant cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) polymicrobial sepsis model, and iv) demonstrated in pilot experiments a favorable safety profile for P13. P13, when administered after initiation of systemic inflammation and disease, improved the survival rate in these models 30-50% as compared with 0% survival in control treated animals. The primary goal of this Phase II Renewal Application is to complete all pre-clinical efficacy and safety testing required by the FDA for approval of this peptide as a new therapeutic in human clinical trials. Based on our studies showing efficacy of P13 to improve survival rates in sepsis pre- clinical models and data demonstrating a favorable safety profile, we propose in this Phase II Renewal Application to conduct all necessary studies required by the FDA to position P13 for human clinical trials. These studies will include establishing optimal P13 treatment parameters in the CLP model and development of a sensitive assay for detection of P13 in serum and tissues (specific aim #1). These studies will support appropriate P13 dosing and exposure parameters for the IND-enabling studies required by the FDA for drug approval. In support of the IND filing to the FDA for drug approval of P13, an optimal clinical treatment protocol and identification of biologic markers associated with P13 treatment will be determined (specific aim #2). Detailed IND-enabling studies for P13, providing a complete non-clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, and toxicology data package will be performed (specific aim #3). At the conclusion ofthis Phase II Renewal Application an IND will be filed with the FDA for use of P13 in a Phase I human clinical trial. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: New treatment options are needed for patients with bacterial-induced sepsis, a disease with increasing morbidity and mortality. We have identified a novel anti-inflammatory peptide that has demonstrated efficacy to limit inflammation and increase survival rates in an animal model of polymicrobial sepsis. Our current studies will complete all pre-clinical andsafety testing required for FDA approval of this peptide to initiate human clinical trials as a new treatment for sepsis.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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