Out-licensing

Specific Delivery of Rifampin to Site of Tuberculosis Infection

Introduction/Background

Treatment for tuberculosis infection involves multiple drug therapy using combinations of rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. However, rifampin is a highly toxic antibiotic that induces hepatitis, thrombocytopenia, bullous skin rashes and other injury. Drug toxicity is caused by free rifampin in the blood stream that failed to bind human serum albumin (HSA) to which it binds non-specifically.

Aims/Hypothesis

There is a need for the improved delivery of agents for the treatment of tuberculosis infection.

Research

Researchers at UCLA have engineered proteins those bind rifampin specifically and dissociate from the drug when arriving at the site of tuberculosis infection. The present invention therefore ensures targeted delivery while reducing drug toxcity, achieving a higher therapeutic profile with respect to existing rifampin therapy.

Conclusion

Our research has led to the specific delivery of rifampin to the site of tuberculosis infection.

Relevance/Opportunity

Please enquire quoting reference no. 2003-090 regarding licensing or codevelopment partnerships.

Preclinical