The University of Edinburgh has identified a hitherto unrecognised potential of IKr-specific Class III anti-arrhythmics for the treatment of inflammatory disorders in a number of disease states/models.

ERG specific methanesulfonanilides, a family of Class III anti-arrhythmics, have been shown to modulate leukocyte and macrophage function

Class III anti- arrhythmics can modulate the recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes and phagocytosis of apoptotic infiltrated cells. The discovery has application in treatment of chronic, acute and fibrogenic mediated inflammation. Researchers have identified a novel mechanism for regulation of phagocytosis via inhibition of the mammalian receptor encoded by the ether-a-go-go related gene (ERG). The ERG specific methanesulfonanilides, a family of Class III anti-arrhythmics, have been shown to modulate leukocyte and macrophage function, reducing recruitment to sites of inflammation, promoting phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, and inhibiting phlogistic responses. The effectiveness of the drugs in the resolution of the inflammatory response was proved in several animal models of established Leukocyte mediated inflammation. The therapeutic application of ERG-specific methanesulfoanalides presents a powerful new approach for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Early Stage

A PCT application was filed for this technology in October 2006.

The University of Edinburgh is now looking to take the research on towards product development and is seeking industrial partners to license or fund development of this technology.