California-based biopharmaceutical company OrPro Therapeutics says that pre-clinical studies of its lead compound, ORP-100, an inhaled thioredoxin, has shown that ORP-100 reduces the viscosity and adhesiveness of the sputum of cystic fibrosis patients both in vitro and in vivo. No inflammation was observed in animals that received “many times the anticipated human dose.” The data is being presented at the Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference
According to the company, the compound interferes with abnormal bonds between mucin protein chains that can form in the respiratory mucus of CF patients. ORP-100 binds to the chains permanently, and the studies showed long-lasting effects. The company suggests that ORP-100 “has the potential for broader clinical efficacy than existing mucolytic approaches.”
Read the OrPro press release.
