Collaboration Screens PDE4 Modulators to Discover Anti-Inflammatory Drug
PDE4 enzymes are involved in inflammation. Researchers are exploring selective inhibitors of these pro-inflammatory enzymes to treat major diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, chronic airway obstruction, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, there are multiple PDE4 subtypes. Non-selective PDE4 inhibitors have been precluded from use in patients since they produce unacceptable side-effects, including nausea.
Researchers at the University of Utah, working with colleagues at the University of Glasgow, have identified a new mechanism of PDE4 regulation mediated by interaction of these enzymes with targeting proteins inside cells. The work was led by Graeme Bolger at the University of Utah and Miles D. Houslay at the University of Glasgow. The application of this technology for drug discovery is the subject of a patent submission from the University of Utah.
According to Houslay, the two research teams identified a potential mechanism for highly selective inhibition of specific PDE4 subtypes, by preventing them from acting at their site of action in inflammatory cells. "We hope that this will allow us to inhibit inflammation without producing unwanted side-effects," Houslay added.
Based upon the universities' research, Cambride Drug Discovery is applying its high-throughput screening and lead discovery technologies to discover novel selective PDE4 modulators. "These lead compounds can then be optimised to produce drugs with blockbuster potential," Mark Bushfield, chief scientific officer of Cambridge Drug Discovery, commented.
Cambridge Drug Discovery Ltd provides a range of biological technologies, expertise, and resources to accelerate the drug discovery process.
For further information: Mark Bushfield, Chief Scientific Officer, Cambridge Drug Discovery Ltd, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Rd., Cambridge, CB4 0FG, UK. Tel: +44 1223 723 222. Fax: +44 1223 723 223. Email: info@camdd.co.uk.