Use of xylitol to reduce ionic strength and activate endogenous antimicrobials for prevention and treatment of infections
US6716819B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61K9/0075
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for killing infectious microbial cells by exposing the microbial cells to endogenous antimicrobial compounds. Activation of the antimicrobials is achieved by addition of low permeability, non-ionic osmolytes to lower ionic strength in body fluids where the antimicrobials have been previously suppressed by alteration of ionic transport (increase in salt concentration). The method can be used to treat cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis causes elevated salt concentrations in the airway surface liquid (ASL) occur due to the impaired chloride transport across the epithelia. Xylitol has been found to be an effective low permeability, non-ionic osmolyte for use in the present invention.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.