Use of DHA to treat Cystic Fibrosis (BIDMC 41)

Category:    Therapeutics - Drugs

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BIDMC ID:    41

Abstract:

Invention Dr. Steven Freedman and his colleagues at BIDMC have discovered that cystic fibrosis (CF) can be treated by controlling the ratio of specific omega 3 fatty acids. In particular, in patients with the gene defect that causes CF, the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA) to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a critical determinant of whether patients acquire the symptons of CF which include 1) increased mucus secretion, 2) increased inflammatory response and 3) decreased immune function. Dr. Freedman has discovered that by administering DHA in animal models, these symptoms will be ameliorated. Dr. Freedman has received a substantial grant from the CF Foundation to perform human clinical trials on the efficacy of using DHA as a treatment for CF. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is seeking a corporate partner for further commercial development of this therapy. Background Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. These thick secretions also obstruct the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines to help break down and absorb food.

Inventor:   Dr. Steven Freedman

Commercial Opportunity:

The treatment of CF depends upon the stage of the disease and the organs involved. Clearing mucus from the lungs is an important part of the daily CF treatment regimen. Chest physical therapy is a form of airway clearance done by vigorous clapping on the back and chest to dislodge the thick mucus from the lungs. Other types of treatments include TOBIŽ (tobramycin solution for inhalation), an aerosolized antibiotic used to treat lung infections; PulmozymeŽ, a mucus-thinning drug shown to reduce the number of lung infections and improve lung function; and azithromycin, an antibiotic recently proven to be effective in people with CF whose lungs are chronically infected with the common Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Unfortunately, at this time there are no methods to prevent the buildup of thick mucosal secretions caused by the CF gene defect.

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Patent Status:

U.S. Patent Numbers 6,180,671 and 6,552,081

TVO Contact Info:
     Stanley C Mah
     Senior Associate TVO
     smah@bidmc.harvard.edu
     Phone: 617-667-0573   Fax: 617-667-0646

     Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
     Technology Ventures Office  Room: BR-0200
     330 Brookline Avenue
     Boston, MA 02215