The technology describes methods and compositions for treating lung injuries and infections by delivering enzymes, such as plasminogen activators, to the airway using nebulized solutions and perfluorocarbon carriers. This approach dissolves airway obstructions and supports respiratory function.
Background
Acute lung injury (ALI) and its severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are significant medical challenges, particularly in patients exposed to inhalational smoke (IS), leading to a condition known as inhalational smoke-induced acute lung injury (ISALI). ISALI is characterized by severe airway obstruction, fibrinous airway casts, and alveolar fibrin deposition, resulting in high mortality rates and long-term morbidity despite current supportive care measures like mechanical ventilation.
Existing treatments, such as nebulized heparin and N-acetylcysteine, have shown limited efficacy and can introduce complications like systemic coagulopathy. The fibrin casts in the airways obstruct gas exchange and often necessitate bronchoscopic intervention, further complicating patient management. Thus, there is a need for more effective therapeutic strategies to address the fibrin deposition and airway obstruction inherent in ISALI, while minimizing adverse effects.
Technology description
The technology focuses on delivering therapeutic enzymes to a subject's airway using nebulized enzyme solutions and perfluorocarbon compositions. It specifically addresses the administration of enzymes such as plasminogen activators through vibrating mesh nebulizers, which help maintain significant levels of enzymatic activity. These compositions are designed to treat lung infections and acute lung injuries, including inhalational smoke-induced acute lung injury. The perfluorocarbon compositions, which include plasminogen activators, aid in dissolving airway casts and removing alveolar debris while supporting respiratory gas exchange. The perfluorocarbon acts as a carrier, distributing the enzyme throughout the lung to break down fibrinous obstructions and promote lung function recovery.
What differentiates this technology is its innovative use of vibrating mesh nebulizers to deliver enzyme solutions, ensuring that the enzymes retain their activity levels during nebulization. Traditional nebulizers often degrade the enzymatic activity, but the vibrating mesh technology overcomes this limitation. Additionally, the use of perfluorocarbon compositions as carriers is unique; they not only facilitate the distribution of enzymes but also support gas exchange and help clear airway obstructions. This dual-action approach—combining enzymatic breakdown of fibrinous material with the physical properties of perfluorocarbons—sets this technology apart from existing treatments, offering a more effective solution for managing severe lung conditions like ISALI.
Benefits
- Effective treatment for lung infections and acute lung injuries, including ISALI
- Maintains significant enzymatic activity levels even when nebulized
- Helps dissolve airway casts and remove alveolar debris
- Supports respiratory gas exchange and promotes lung function recovery
- Reduces airway obstruction and improves oxygenation
- Potentially reduces long-term complications such as bronchial reactivity and pulmonary fibrosis
- Can be administered using vibrating mesh nebulizers, which are efficient and minimize residual volume
- Perfluorocarbon compositions act as carriers to distribute enzymes effectively throughout the lung
- Can reduce mortality and morbidity associated with severe lung injuries
Commercial applications
- Medical treatment of lung infections
- Treatment of acute lung injuries
- Respiratory therapy for ISALI
- Clearing airway obstructions
- Supporting respiratory gas exchange
Patent
US11033611B2
