Patent Granted to OrPro Therapeutics’ Lead Candidate Theradux™ for Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis

OrPro Therapeutics, Inc. has announced it has been granted a patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its lead candidate Theradux™, covering its unique treatment ability for cystic fibrosis (CF).

The company has been developing a treatment pipeline based on thioredoxin, a naturally secreted protein with enzymatic activity known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Its mucus-normalizing activity, translated in thioredoxin’s ability to reduce formation of molecular bonds in the mucus layer, makes it a great candidate for drug therapy for CF treatment. CF, a life-threatening disease, is characterized by the overproduction of extremely thickened and viscous mucus, which results in deficient pancreatic and lung function and higher risk of infections.

Theradux™, the leading candidate in the company’s thioredoxin portfolio, was shown to have an improved effect on mucus viscoelasticity, leading to an easier relaxation and clearance of the mucus in the airways. The experimental therapy is an inhaled recombinant modified human thioredoxin-1 compound that has the potential to work as a monotherapy for CF and other obstructive diseases, and also as a combination therapy with CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator) protein modulators.

OrPro Therapeutics, Inc. recently presented the results of in vitro and in vivo assays at the 2015 North American Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Conference that demonstrated the compound’s ability to alleviate mucus thickness and improve mucus clearance. Results from preclinical aerosol inhaling studies also highlighted the drug’s low toxicity and inflammation.

The patent’s coverage extends to year 2034 and covers the treatment ability of Theradux™, adding to the extensive patents the company already holds regarding thioredoxin activity. Dr. Peter B. Heifetz, president and CEO of OrPro, commented on the recent announcement, “The wide scope of this patent reflects the novelty of our research findings and their importance in creating new treatment options for patients in need.” OrPro Therapeutics will make a future presentation with the detailed results from these assays and the drug’s unique therapy mechanism at the NIH/NHLBI (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health) Innovation Conference, to be held in November 2015.