Methods Of Treating Established Colitis Using Antibodies Against IL-12
Description of Invention:
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a recently characterized cytokine with unique structure and pleiotropic effects. IL-12 is produced mainly by macrophages/monocytes and can be efficiently induced by intracellular parasites, bacteria and bacterial products. A method for treating the established colitis of an inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, by inhibiting the colitis-inducing effects of the cytokine IL-12 has been invented. Additionally, a method for treating their effectiveness in reducing the inflammatory response is also presented.
Potential Area of Application:
Gastrointestinal disorders -- treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Main Advantage of Invention:
Anti IL-12 inhibits the primary underlying mechanism of granulomatous inflammation rather than the secondary (downstream) mediators of inflammation. Thus, it is a more effective, more permanent therapy for such inflammation.
Stage of Development:
Positive preliminary studies in mice with induced colitis
Positive preliminary studies in mice with spontaneous colitis
Further Development Required:
Production of humanized anti IL-12 antibodies
Toxicity/pharmacology studies
Inventors:
W Strober (NIAID) M Neurath (NIAID) I Fuss (NIAID)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-097-1995/0 --
U.S. Patent 5,853,697 issued 29 Dec 1998
Relevant Publication: MS Neurath, I Fuss, BL Kelsall, E Stuber, W Strober: Antibodies to interleukin 12 abrogate established experimental colitis in mice. J Exp Med 182:1281-90, 1995
For Additional Information Please Contact: David A. Lambertson Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-4632
Email: lambertsond@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
