Tumor necrosis factor .alpha. (TNF-.alpha.) inhibiting pharmaceuticals

US5932610A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• YISSUM RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM LTD. · IL

Inventors

• Esther Shohami · Mevaseret Tsiyon, IL
• Ruth Gallily · Jerusalem, IL
• Raphael Mechoulam · Jerusalem, IL

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 17, 1997
• Grant date: Aug 3, 1999
• Expiry date: Nov 17, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02A50/30
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Pharmaceutical compositions are described for preventing TNF toxicity, comprising as active ingredient the stereospecific (+) enantiomer, having 3S, 4S) configuration of .DELTA..sup.6 tetrahydrocannabinol type compounds. The compositions are particularly effective in alleviating and even preventing neurotoxicity due to elevated levels of TNF, including septic shock, cachexia and trauma. They are also effective in the treatment of certain chronic degenerative diseases characterized by TNF production, including autoimmune diseases.