University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed small anti-fibrotic chemokine peptides called FibroKine™, designed to prevent and halt the progression of fibrosis, a hallmark of various organ failures
Description
Fibrosis is not only an unfortunate potential consequence of COVID-19, but it is also a pathological hallmark of several disease states and can affect multiple organs including the heart, eyes, and lungs. FibroKine™ peptides serve as a therapeutic solution to prevent and halt the progression of fibrosis, particularly in the context of cardiovascular disease. These peptides target key pathogenic cells responsible for the excessive extracellular matrix synthesis that leads to organ failure in fibrotic diseases. Moreover, these peptides have shown promising anti-fibrotic effects by reducing the expression of fibrotic markers and inhibiting TGF-β1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Thus, this novel therapeutic can effectively treat a variety of fibrotic conditions through the targeting of multiple disease mechanisms.
Applications
• COVID-19
• Sepsis
• Heart failure
• COVID-19 associated organ failure
Advantages
The market opportunity for FibroKine™ peptides is substantial, as cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, with a significant number of patients suffering from heart failure. The current standard of care for fibrosis in the heart has limitations; many current treatments fail to progress beyond preclinical trials due to mixed results regarding the effectiveness of reducing cardiac fibrosis. Furthermore, FibroKine™ provides a novel way to treat COVID-19, reducing the risk of life-threatening disease progression and symptoms. FibroKine™ targets multiple underlying causes of disease, creating a more specific and highly relevant therapeutic solution.
Invention Readiness
Several peptides have gone through multiple stages of animal trials. Additional preclinical validation has involved reducing fibrosis in skin, eye, lung, and heart models. Early data also provides positive safety and toxicity profiles.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20240325496A1
