University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed nitro-fatty acids as a potential new pharmacological treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a condition with a high mortality rate if rupture occurs. This novel drug candidate, nitro-oleic acid, significantly reduces AAA incidence in preclinical models and is currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials. The administration of nitro-oleic acid demonstrated a reduction in extracellular matrix degradation, inflammatory cytokine levels, and leukocyte/macrophage infiltration, suggesting its potential to limit AAA progression and prevent rupture, offering a new therapeutic strategy for patients who are not candidates for surgical repair.
Description
Nitro-fatty acids, including nitro-oleic acid, are a novel class of endogenous anti-inflammatory mediators that have shown promise in reducing inflammation and vascular remodeling associated with AAA. In preclinical studies using a well-established mouse model, the administration of nitro-oleic acid resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of AAA compared to controls. The treatment also led to a marked reduction in markers of vascular inflammation, including lower levels of inflammatory cytokines and decreased leukocyte and macrophage infiltration. These findings suggest that nitro-oleic acid could serve as a novel pharmacological agent to prevent or slow the progression of AAA, a condition for which no effective drug treatment currently exists.
Applications
• Treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
• Prevention of AAA progression and rupture
• Reduction of vascular inflammation in cardiovascular diseases
Advantages
Nitro-oleic acid represents a groundbreaking therapeutic approach to managing AAA, a condition currently treatable only by surgical intervention in eligible patients. As an oral or intravenous formulation that has already passed early human safety studies and is in Phase 2 clinical trials, nitro-oleic acid offers a non-surgical option for patients, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures. This drug candidate specifically targets the underlying inflammatory processes contributing to AAA progression, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and reducing mortality associated with aneurysm rupture.
Invention Readiness
The invention is at the in vivo data stage, with preclinical studies demonstrating significant efficacy in reducing AAA incidence and associated inflammatory responses. Nitro-oleic acid has successfully passed early-stage human safety trials and is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. Further studies will focus on confirming its therapeutic efficacy in larger human populations and exploring additional clinical applications.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230241019A1
