Enzyme-Based Therapy for Advanced Airway Treatment

Introduction

Respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, with conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis affecting millions of people. Current treatments often focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying biological processes that exacerbate these diseases. Our patented enzyme-based therapy offers a groundbreaking approach to airway treatment by targeting mucus buildup and airway inflammation at its source. This innovative method improves airflow, reduces infection risks, and enhances overall respiratory health.

The Need for Better Airway Management

For patients with respiratory conditions, airway obstruction caused by thick mucus and inflammation is a significant challenge. Standard treatments, such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and mucus-thinning agents, often provide temporary relief but fail to address the root causes of airway obstruction. Moreover, many treatments come with side effects, such as immune suppression or tolerance development over time. Patients and healthcare providers are seeking more effective and targeted therapies that not only alleviate symptoms but also improve long-term lung function and quality of life.

An Innovative Enzyme-Based Approach

Our patented composition and method introduce an enzyme-based treatment specifically designed for administration to a subject’s airway. The enzyme works by breaking down mucus and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract, allowing for clearer airways and better oxygen exchange. This technology is particularly effective in conditions where excess mucus production and thickened secretions are a problem, such as cystic fibrosis, COPD, and chronic bronchitis.

By reducing mucus viscosity and controlling inflammation at the enzymatic level, this method improves airflow and reduces the frequency of infections that are often caused by trapped bacteria in stagnant mucus. The enzyme therapy is delivered directly to the airway, ensuring targeted action where it is needed most. Its localized delivery also minimizes the systemic side effects commonly seen with oral or systemic medications.

Key Benefits

  • Targeted Mucus Breakdown: The enzyme efficiently reduces mucus buildup, improving airway clearance and patient comfort.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Action: It helps control inflammation, reducing the need for high-dose corticosteroids.
  • Improved Respiratory Function: Patients experience enhanced breathing capacity and fewer infections, leading to better long-term health outcomes.
  • Broad Applicability: Suitable for a wide range of respiratory conditions, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, and COPD.

A New Era in Respiratory Treatment

Licensing this enzyme-based airway treatment technology provides pharmaceutical and healthcare companies with a powerful tool to develop more effective therapies for respiratory diseases. By addressing mucus buildup and inflammation at the source, this technology offers a more targeted, patient-friendly solution that could dramatically improve respiratory care outcomes.

Methods and composition for delivery of enzymes to a subject’s airway. In some aspects, nebulized composition of enzymes, such as plasminogen activators are provided. In further aspects perfluorocarbon compositions comprising enzymes, such as plasminogen activators are provided. Compositions may, in some aspects, be used for the treatment of lung infections or acute lung injury, such as inhalational smoke induced acute lung injury (ISALI).

What is claimed is:

1. A method for treating a subject having a lung infection or lung injury, comprising administering to the lungs of the subject an amount of a composition comprising a plasminogen activator and a perfluorocarbon that is effective to treat the lung infection or lung injury.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject has chemical-induced lung injury.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the subject has plastic bronchitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or inhalational smoke induced acute lung injury (ISALI).
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject has a lung infection.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising delivering the composition to the lungs of the subject as a nebulized composition.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the plasminogen activator is a single chain urokinase plasminogen activator (scuPA) or a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the plasminogen activator is a scuPA.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the perfluorocarbon comprises a cycloalkyl group.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the perfluorocarbon is selected from perfluorodecalin and perfluoro-octylbromide.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the perfluorocarbon comprises perfluorodecalin.
11. A method of treating inhalational smoke induced acute lung injury (ISALI) in a subject comprising administering to the lungs of the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a plasminogen activator and a perfluorocarbon.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the plasminogen activator is a single chain urokinase plasminogen activator (scuPA) or a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the plasminogen activator is a scuPA.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the perfluorocarbon is selected from perfluorodecalin and perfluoro-octylbromide.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the perfluorocarbon comprises perfluorodecalin.

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Title

Compositions and methods for administration of an enzyme to a subject's airway

Inventor(s)

Robert O. Williams, IIISteven Idell

Assignee(s)

University of Texas System

Patent #

11033611

Patent Date

June 15, 2021

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