An innovative therapy, which prevents the build-up of mucous by increasing airway hydration, may help cystic fibrosis patients, according to researchers at Parion Sciences in Durham, N.C.
An innovative therapy, which prevents the build-up of mucous by increasing airway hydration, may help cystic fibrosis patients, according to researchers at Parion Sciences in Durham, N.C.
"Our results suggest that we have identified a new agent that acts directly on a specific pathway, which is involved in the development of cystic fibrosis," said lead author Dr. Andrew Hirsh, senior director of drug discovery and preclinical development for Parion Sciences.
Respiratory Diseases - Diseases of the Human Respiratory System
Respiratory diseases affect any part of the respiratory system. Some of the lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to respiratory failure.
Respiratory diseases affect any part of the respiratory system. Some of the lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to respiratory failure.
The researchers point out that one of the mechanisms causing airways to not clear mucous correctly in these patients involves the body's natural homeostasis of sodium which, when absorbed too quickly from the surface of the airway, causes moisture to become absorbed too quickly.
"Cystic fibrosis patients have a genetic ion transport defect, which decreases the hydration level on the airway surface and therefore reduces the body's ability to effectively clear mucous, which is a primary defence mechanism of the respiratory system. Diminished mucous clearance leads to chronic respiratory infection and impaired pulmonary function. Currently there are no therapies available to specifically target this channel in patients with cystic fibrosis," Dr. Hirsh said.
The Lungs
The lungs are our organs of respiration. It is within these, that exchange of gases takes place.
The lungs are our organs of respiration. It is within these, that exchange of gases takes place.
He says that the increase in moisture allows individuals to more effectively clear the airway of mucous and infectious agents.
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During the study, the researchers applied GS-9411 to airway surface cells grown in the lab, and assessed the potency and reversibility of the drug on these cells.
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Lung Biopsy - Indications - Procedures - Risks - FAQs - Reference
The procedure by which tissue samples are obtained from the lung is known as lung biopsy. The biopsy tissues obtained from the lungs are examined by a pathologist.
The procedure by which tissue samples are obtained from the lung is known as lung biopsy. The biopsy tissues obtained from the lungs are examined by a pathologist.
The researchers also revealed that concurrent studies on animals showed the agent to enhance mucous clearance for more than four hours.
Dr. Hirsh said that the results of their study offered new hope for cystic fibrosis sufferers.
"The potency and the length of time that the drug was effective in cells and in animal studies was an outstanding feature that distinguishes this compound from other agents," he said.
The clinical phase of the drug development cycle will enable researchers to continue to refine the treatment for eventual distribution to cystic fibrosis patients.
"GS-9411 administered by aerosol can effectively increase airway surface liquid and enhance mucous clearance in an animal model. The results demonstrate that GS-9411 warrants further investigation as a new drug therapy to decrease respiratory infection and improve pulmonary function," he said.
A presentation on the study's findings was made during the American Thoracic Society's 105th International Conference in San Diego on Sunday, May 17.
Source-ANI
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