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

US6331560A · 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: May 26, 1999
• Grant date: Dec 18, 2001
• Expiry date: May 26, 2019

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 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.