SK 707. Use of Inhaled Retinoids in Cancer Prevention

Summary of Invention

There is no cure for emphysema, a disease from which more than 3 million Americans currently suffer. In some animal studies treatment with retinoids reversed the disease. Because use of standard routes of administration of the drug can be toxic MSKCC has developed an aerosolized version of retinoids that can be inhaled with a standard applicator, allowing for delivery of high doses to the lungs, while lowering the risk of systemic toxicity.

In addition to emphysema, inhaled retinoids could be used to help prevent lung cancer, an application that has shown some promise in preclinical studies.

Advantages

• MSKCC Patents have broad claims, covering any retinoid inhalation system for lung disease, including dry inhalation systems.
• Patented formulation of aerosolized retinoids is stable at room temperature.
• Inhalation device would increase drug's portability and patient compliance.

Areas of Application

Therapeutic drug.

Stage of Development

Selective delivery to lungs demonstrated in rats.

Lead Inventor

Dr. Raymond P. Warrell

Patent Information

US patents 6,251,941 and 6,515,022.

References

• Massaro and Massaro. Nat. Med. 1997 Jun; 3(6): 675-7.
• March et. al. Exp. Lung Res. 2004 Jul-Aug; 30(5): 383-404.
• Mao et. al. Am J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2002 Mar 1; 165(5): 718-23.
• Belloni et. al. Chest. 2000; 117: 235S-241S.

Contact Information

Jeffrey Horenstein, PhD
Tel: 212-639-6181; Fax: 212-717-3439
E-mail: horenstj@mskcc.org