AM-Pharma receives patent for antimicrobial peptide

[Guest guest]

The incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing in many

hospitals and Candida species have emerged as the fourth most common

cause of bloodstream infections in the US.

Despite the recent introduction of several new antifungals (newer

generation azoles and echinocandins), the mortality and morbidity of

such infections have not decreased substantially.

http://www.drugresearcher.com/news/ng.asp?n=69822-am-pharma-hlf-

lactoferrin-antimicrobial

AM-Pharma receives patent for antimicrobial peptide

By Wai Lang Chu

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All news for July 2006

14/08/2006 - AM Pharma has been awarded a US and EU patent for its

antimicrobial peptide to be used in the development of a novel class

of drugs with high efficacy against a broad spectrum of bacterial,

fungal and viral infections.

The antimicrobial peptide, Lactoferrin (LF) is a metal binding

glycoprotein found in milk, tears, saliva, bronchial, intestinal,

and other secretions. Lactoferrin also plays an important role in

numerous inflammatory and immune response functions.

This protein displays antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive

and Gram-negative bacteria by limiting the availability of

environmental iron.

However, since iron-saturated hLF is also able to kill certain

bacteria, mechanisms other than iron-depletion apparently are

involved in the antibacterial activity of lactoferrin.

AM-Pharma's research has resulted in a first lead, hLF1-11, which

consists of the first eleven amino acids of lactoferrin.

Its mechanism of action is predominantly through the intermediacy of

cells and/or components of the host as opposed to a direct

interaction with the pathogen.

This would explain the extremely low dosages required in vivo and

the in vivo efficacy against a broad range of different microbes

such as bacteria, fungi, and possibly viruses.

Recent results from Phase I clinical trials in humans showed that

hLF1-11 was safe and induced no signs of toxicity, immune responses

or other adverse events that could be attributed to the peptide.

Based on these findings hLF1-11 is currently evaluated in a Phase II

trial as an effective and safe antibacterial and antifungal

substance for the prevention of severe fungal and bacterial

infections, especially in patient undergoing bone marrow stem cell

transplantations.

" The granting of these patents forms the basis for the development

of a novel class of antibiotics for the treatment of systemic

infections, " said Bruno Giannetti, President & Chief Executive of AM-

Pharma.

" AM-Pharma is currently validating additional indications for this

lead compound, " he added.

In recent years, the threat of infectious diseases has grown

tremendously in volume and complexity. Factors contributing to this

trend include the growing population of immunocompromised, surgical

and intensive-care patients.

The incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing in many

hospitals and Candida species have emerged as the fourth most common

cause of bloodstream infections in the US.

Despite the recent introduction of several new antifungals (newer

generation azoles and echinocandins), the mortality and morbidity of

such infections have not decreased substantially.

[Guest guest]

Interesting post. The natural form of Lactoferrin is available:

<http://www.vitadigest.com/ja-lactoferrin-60.html?

gclid=CK7UqfLb4IYCFQ6CLAodDxmCBw>

--- In , " tigerpaw2c " <tigerpaw2c@...>

wrote:

>

> The incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing in many

> hospitals and Candida species have emerged as the fourth most common

> cause of bloodstream infections in the US.

>

> Despite the recent introduction of several new antifungals (newer

> generation azoles and echinocandins), the mortality and morbidity

[Guest guest]

Here is something about natural Lactoferrin from PDR Health.

Interestingly, it says " Some in vitro studies suggest that lactoferrin

acts synergistically with antifungal agents " :

<http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/lac_0314

..shtml>

--- In , " tigerpaw2c " <tigerpaw2c@...>

wrote:

>

> The incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing in many

> hospitals and Candida species have emerged as the fourth most common

> cause of bloodstream infections in the US.

>