Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-&agr;) inhibiting pharmaceuticals

US6545041B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Yessum Research Development Co. of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem · IL

Inventors

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

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 4, 2001
• Grant date: Apr 8, 2003
• Expiry date: Oct 4, 2021

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 &Dgr;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 such as AIDS.