Methods of treating chronic disorders with complement inhibitors

Abstract

In some aspects, the invention provides methods of treating a subject in need of treatment for a chronic complement-mediated disorder. In some aspects, the invention provides methods of treating a subject in need of treatment for a Th17-associated disorder. In some aspects, the invention provides methods of treating a subject in need of treatment for a chronic respiratory system disorder. In some aspects, the invention provides methods of administering a complement inhibitor to a subject. In some embodiments, a method of treating a subject comprises administering multiple doses of a complement inhibitor to the subject according to a dosing schedule that leverages the prolonged effect of complement inhibition in chronic respiratory disorders. In some embodiments, a subject has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In some embodiments, a subject has asthma.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61 / 499,895, filed Jun. 22, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Chronic disorders of the respiratory system are significant causes of morbidity and mortality whose incidence is increasing worldwide. According to World Health Organization estimates, about 80 million people have moderate to severe chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), and more than 3 million people died of COPD in 2005 (˜5% of all deaths globally). COPD was the fifth leading cause of death in 2002, and estimates suggest that it will be the third leading cause of death worldwide in 2030 unless major risk factors, particularly tobacco use, can be successfully curbed. Asthma is also a significant global health problem, affecting an estimated 300 million individuals worldwide. Both asthma and COPD can have debilitating effects...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes methods for treating chronic complement-mediated disorders, such as asthma and COPD, by administering a complement inhibitor to a subject in need of treatment. The methods involve administering multiple doses of the complement inhibitor at specific intervals to achieve a prolonged effect. The complement inhibitor can be administered through various routes, such as the respiratory system or intravenously. The methods also involve detecting a biomarker to guide treatment. The technical effects of the patent include improved treatment outcomes and reduced plasma complement activation capacity.

Problems solved by technology

Chronic disorders of the respiratory system are significant causes of morbidity and mortality whose incidence is increasing worldwide.

Asthma is also a significant global health problem, affecting an estimated 300 million individuals worldwide.

Both asthma and COPD can have debilitating effects on patients' daily functioning and quality of life, particularly when severe.

These diseases also represent significant burdens in terms of health care costs and lost productivity.

However, a significant proportion of patients experience persistent symptoms despite such interventions.

Furthermore, these agents can be associated with significant side effects.

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