MYMD-1, an experimental treatment being developed by MyMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), received a US patent titled “Method of Treating Disorders Associated with Chronic Inflammation.” This is the 13th patent protecting the treatment.
“This latest patent underscores MYMD-1’s potential to inhibit inflammation, which is linked to myriad diseases including IPF,” Chris Chapman, MD, the president, director, and chief medical officer of MyMD, said in a press release.
IPF is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by dyspnea and unproductive coughing. It involves a build-up of fibrotic tissue in the lungs due to an unknown cause, although several risk factors, such as smoking and genetics, have been identified. It is estimated that the disease affects almost 100,000 people in the US. The median survival of patients with IPF is 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis, and treatment options are limited.
Continue Reading
Read more about IPF prognosis
MYMD-1 is a synthetic small molecule that modulates many proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-17A. Because it selectively blocks overactive TNF-α only, it should not cause the serious side effects seen with other anti-inflammatory treatments. Preclinical studies have shown that MYMD-1 has the potential to limit both inflammation and fibrosis.
Other diseases that MYMD-1 could treat include asthma, autoimmune diseases, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated depression and cytokine elevation. The treatment is also being developed to treat aging and prolong longevity.
MyMD Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that focuses on developing 2 therapeutic platforms, one of which is MYMD-1. The other, Supera-CBD, is a synthetic cannabidiol derivative that targets CB2 receptors to address pain and addiction.
Reference
MyMD Pharmaceuticals announces issuance of US patent for use of lead candidate MYMD-1 for treating fibrosis and asthma. News release. MyMD Pharmaceuticals; August 24, 2021.
