Methods and compositions for treating or preventing peripheral neuropathies
US6884770B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61K48/00
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present application is directed to the discovery that hedgehog gene products are able to protect peripheral nerve cells under conditions which otherwise result in peripheral neuropathy. Certain aspects of the invention are directed to preparations of hedgehog polypeptides, or other molecules which regulate patched or smoothened signalling, and their uses as protective agents against both acquired and hereditary neuropathies. As used herein, “peripheral neuropathy” refers to a disorder affecting a segment of the peripheral nervous system. For instance, the method of the present invention can be used as part of a treatment program in the management of neuropathies associated with systemic disease, e.g., viral infections, diabetes, inflamation; as well as genetically acquired (hereditary) neuropathies, e.g., Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease; and neuropathies caused by a toxic agent, e.g., a chemotherapeutic agent such as vincristine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.