Novispirins: antimicrobial peptides

US6492328B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• University of Iowa Research Foundation · US
• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Robert I. Lehrer · Santa Monica, US
• Alan J. Waring · Irvine, US
• Brian Tack · Iowa City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 19, 2001
• Grant date: Dec 10, 2002
• Expiry date: Apr 19, 2021

Classification

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

Abstract

Novispirin peptides are antimicrobial agents with potent activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The peptides are nonhemolytic, exhibit reduced in vitro cytotoxicity relative to other antimicrobial peptides, and were well-tolerated in vivo after intravenous injection. Novispirins also bind lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a property that may mitigate symptoms associated with Gram-negative bacterial infection. A pharmaceutical composition comprising novispirin as an active agent is administered to a patient suffering from or predisposed to a microbial infection, particularly Gram-negative bacterial infections.