Novel Immune Modulatory Agent in the Treatment of Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and other inflammatory disorders

This technology describes the identification of a novel switch called Toll Like Receptor- 4 (TLR- 4), which when activated leads to NEC. Tolllike receptor 4 (TLR-4) is involved in pathogen recognition and plays a role in the activation of the innate immune response. In addition to the treatment or prevention of NEC, TLR-4 antagonists are of clinical interest in situations where the immune response is overwhelming for instance in sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, autoimmune diseases, ischemic and traumatic injuries.

Background
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of death from gastrointestinal disease in preterm infants. NEC is characterized by the development of intestinal necrosis,
systemic sepsis, and multi organ failure. NEC develops in 2 out of 1000 live births. It affects 20% of premature babies and is fatal in nearly half of all cases. The typical baby with NEC is a premature infant who is doing well initially, then becomes rapidly sick and dies within 24 hours. When these patients undergo surgery, most of the intestines have died. Existing treatments for NEC are largely inadequate. Clearly novel approaches are needed to prevent and/or treat NEC.

PCT Patent Application filed

File Number: ID 2303 

Web site: http://www.cbp.pitt.edu/faculty/hackam.html

Disease: Autoimmune and Inflammation