Technologies

Background

Chronic inflammation contributes to a broad spectrum of diseases including arthritis, psoriasis, diabetes, allergy, connective tissue diseases, and heart disease. Despite the range of current therapeutics on offer, there is unmet clinical need as treatments such as corticosteroids, though often effective, are associated with serious side effects.

Technology

A research team at the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow have taken the novel approach of searching for anti¬-inflammatory agents produced by pathogens during their battle to avoid elimination by the host. This has led to their discovery of ES-62, a glycoprotein that is secreted by filarial nematodes, highly successful parasites of vertebrates including humans. The team has demonstrated that ES-62 is a potent, broad spectrum anti-inflammatory molecule which effectively reduces inflammation whilst leaving essential defence mechanisms intact. Manufacture of ES-62 itself is not commercially viable but further research has produced small molecule derivatives (SMDs) that exhibit anti¬-inflammatory activity in vivo.