Results from a new animal study show that Aeolus Pharmaceuticals’ anti-microbial compound, AEOL 20415, may protect the lungs from infections in cystic fibrosis (CF).
In the study, conducted in a mouse model of CF and led by Brian Day, PhD, vice chair of research at National Jewish Health, AEOL 20415 showed to be a potential treatment for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
“This study confirms previous in-vitro studies indicating that AEOL 20415 is unique because it augments the body’s natural host defense system for fighting bacterial infection while limiting inflammation,” Day said in a press release.
“Currently available anti-inflammatory drugs work by suppressing the immune system, which can be counterproductive during active infection. AEOL 20415 has demonstrated efficacy in killing drug resistant clinical strains of Burkholderia cepacia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from cystic fibrosis patients and improving bacterial clearance while diminishing lung inflammation.” Day added.
Over time, infectious organisms can adapt to the drugs designed to kill them, making the treatments less effective. Because most bacteria, viruses, and other microbes multiply rapidly, they can evolve quickly and develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs. In this context, both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), consider that developing novel treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major priority.
As an anti-microbial agent, AEOL 20415 has killed pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains, while reducing inflammation caused by the immune response to both bacterial and viral infections, according to the company.
Aeolus believes that the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity exhibited by AEOL 20415 may offer a new solution in the fight against pathogens and with applications in many clinical indications.
“AEOL 20415 shows tremendous promise as both a potential treatment for cystic fibrosis and as a solution to the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. We look forward to sharing this animal data with potential collaborators in industry and the government in our continuing efforts to address unmet medical needs through public-private partnerships, such as those we have used to develop our lead compound AEOL 10150,” said John McManus, chief executive officer of Aeolus.
“The combination of anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory action of AEOL 20415 makes it particularly effective in addressing antibiotic-resistant infectious disease threats, as well traditional indications like cystic fibrosis.” McManus concluded.
Aeolus intends to submit details results of the study for publication.