Alpha Connexin Polypeptide Mitigates Radiation Dermatitis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments lack effective means to prevent, treat, and mitigate radiation injuries such as cutaneous radiation injury, acute radiation syndrome, and radiation dermatitis, which often result in scarring and impaired tissue regeneration.

Innovation Solution

Administration of an isolated polypeptide comprising a carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of an alpha Connexin, or a conservative variant thereof, to prevent and treat radiation injuries by reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and inhibiting scarring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radiation therapy is applied to treat cancer, then cancer treatment efficacy is improved, but radiation dermatitis and skin damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecancer treatment efficacyVSAvoidradiation dermatitis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an alpha Connexin polypeptide as a mediator substance that protects skin tissue from radiation damage. This polypeptide acts as an intermediary agent between the radiation therapy and the skin tissue, reducing the harmful effects of radiation on the skin while allowing the cancer treatment to proceed effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the alpha Connexin polypeptide before or during radiation therapy to pre-protect the skin tissue. This preliminary action establishes a protective mechanism in the skin before radiation exposure occurs, preventing radiation dermatitis from developing while maintaining cancer treatment efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If ionizing radiation is exposed to cause radiation injury, then radiation injury occurs, but tissue regeneration can be promoted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation injuryVSAvoidtissue regeneration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the alpha Connexin polypeptide to convert the harmful effects of radiation-induced tissue damage into beneficial regeneration processes. The polypeptide activates cellular mechanisms that transform damaged tissue into regenerating tissue, promoting healing and restoration of skin structure and function after radiation injury.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If conventional treatments are used for radiation injury, then treatment is provided, but scarring and fibrosis cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment availabilityVSAvoidscarring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the biochemical parameters of the wound healing process by introducing the alpha Connexin polypeptide. This polypeptide modifies the molecular environment of the injured tissue, altering the healing trajectory from fibrotic scar formation to regenerative healing, thereby preventing scarring while maintaining treatment accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3582754B1Composition and methods for preventing radiation injury and promoting tissue regeneration

Publication Date: 2024.01.10 XEQUEL BIO INC

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C

AI summary

Provided herein are compositions and methods for use in treating or preventing radiation injury in a subject at risk of such injury.