Preventing asthma exacerbations by reducing viral respiratory infections

描述(申请人提供)：哮喘是全世界呼吸系统疾病的主要原因，估计每年有3亿人受到影响，多达25万人死亡。即使在发达国家，哮喘仍然是近10%人口的负担，工作和学习损失了大量时间，医疗保健支出也很大。哮喘恶化的主要原因是病毒呼吸道感染，估计有70%以上是由病毒引起的。普尔莫特的解决方案：普莫特已经确定并正在开发一种预防呼吸道感染的新技术。先导药物(PUL-042)是两种TLR配体的组合，它刺激肺自身的固有防御机制，为病原体创造一个敌对的环境，预防或减轻呼吸道感染。体外和体内实验已经完成，以验证这项技术，该药物正在通过调节过程，以在免疫妥协期间使癌症患者受益。这项提案的重点是通过展示PuL-042在小鼠哮喘模型中的直接好处，实现关键里程碑，进一步将这项技术转化为哮喘市场的商业化。该项目被组织成三个可测量的具体目标，包括在哮喘小鼠模型中评估PUL-042的安全性和有效性。 与公共卫生相关：Pulmotect公司正在开发新的疗法，这种疗法可以刺激先天免疫系统，以预防传染病，即使在免疫严重受损的情况下也是如此。概念验证数据表明，这项技术有效地预防了广泛的吸入病原体。该项目将为哮喘患者将这项技术从实验室转移到临床提供重要的数据。这项工作将利用正在进行的为癌症患者开发技术的活动。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Asthma is a leading cause of respiratory disease worldwide, with an estimated 300 million people affected and up to 250,000 deaths per year. Even in developed countries, asthma continues to be a burden for nearly 10% of the population with substantial time lost from work and school and considerable health care expenditures. The principal cause of asthma exacerbations is viral respiratory infections, estimated to be responsible for more than 70%. Pulmotect's Solution: Pulmotect has identified and is developing a novel technology to prevent respiratory infections. The lead drug (PUL-042) is a combination of two TLR ligands that stimulates the lung's own innate defense mechanisms to create a hostile environment for pathogens and prevent or attenuate respiratory infections. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have been completed to validate this technology and the drug is progressing through the regulatory process for a treatment to benefit cancer patients during periods of immunocompromise. The focus of this proposal is to accomplish key milestones that will further transition this technology for commercialization for the asthma market by showing the direct benefit of PUL-042 in mouse asthma models. The project is organized into three measurable Specific Aims that include evaluating the safety and efficacy of PUL-042 in a mouse models of asthma. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Pulmotect, Inc is developing novel therapeutics that stimulate the innate immune system to protect against infectious diseases, even in cases of severely compromised immunity. Proof-of-concept data has shown that this technology effectively protects against a broad range of inhaled pathogens. This project will provide significant data to help transition this technology from the lab to the clinic for asthmatics. This work will leverage ongoing activities in developing the technology for cancer patients.