Itaconate and itaconate analogues capable of inhibiting succinate dehydrogenase can be used to treat or prevent tissue fibrosis.
Proposed use
Compounds for use in the treatment of tissue fibrosis.
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- Liver fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, intestinal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, myelofibrosis and/or skin fibrosis.
Problem addressed
Lung fibrosis often results in response to chronic respiratory disease, disturbing the normal architecture of the lungs, which ultimately leads to their dysfunction and failure. Current treatment options are poor, leading to poor prognosis, particularly in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with a median survival of 3 years post diagnosis. Fibrosis may also be a consequence of other diseases like certain forms of asthma
Technology overview
Itaconate is encoded by the gene ACOD1 and plays a critical role in limiting fibrosis by inhibiting the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have decreased expression of ACOD1 and reduced levels of itaconate in the airways. This invention provides compounds, itaconate and itaconate analogues that inhibit succinate dehydrogenase to treat or prevent fibrosis.
Intellectual property information
An IP package protecting Itaconate and Itaconate analogues for the treatment of fibrosis has been filed:
- Itaconate: PCT application was filed in September 2020. PCT/GB2020/052218. National fillings in US, Australia, Canada and Japan are being pursued.
- Itaconate analogues: A PCT application was filed in March 2023. PCT/GB2023/050629
