CFTR Modulator Combination Therapy for Defective Protein Trafficking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for cystic fibrosis, particularly those using CFTR correctors, are not sufficiently effective, and there is a need for novel therapies to address the ion and fluid transport imbalances caused by CFTR mutations, which lead to respiratory and gastrointestinal issues, infertility, and increased microbial infections.

Innovation Solution

Development of a CFTR-modulating compound, (6R,12R)-17-amino-12-methyl-6,15-bis(trifluoromethyl)-13,19-dioxa-3,4,18-triazatricyclo[12.3.1.12,5]nonadeca-1(18),2,4,16-pentaen-6-ol, and its deuterated derivatives, along with pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which can be administered alone or in combination with other CFTR-modulating agents to enhance CFTR activity and correct defective protein processing and trafficking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If CFTR correctors are used as monotherapy, then the treatment approach is simple, but the effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment simplicityVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a CFTR corrector and a CFTR potentiator into a single combination therapy regimen. The corrector component improves faulty protein processing and trafficking to the epithelial surface, while the potentiator component increases channel gating activity of mutant and wild-type CFTR at the epithelial cell surface. This merging of two mechanisms of action resolves the contradiction by maintaining treatment simplicity through a single approved combination while achieving superior effectiveness compared to monotherapy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If combination therapy with corrector and potentiator is used, then CFTR activity is enhanced, but treatment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCFTR activity enhancementVSAvoidtreatment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes already-approved CFTR modulator drugs in combination, where the corrector and potentiator are both individually approved by regulatory authorities. This approach enhances CFTR activity through dual mechanism action while minimizing treatment complexity by using established, well-characterized therapies with known safety profiles and administration protocols, rather than requiring entirely new combination regimens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If novel CFTR modulators are developed, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but development time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages CFTR modulators that have already undergone extensive preclinical and clinical development, including approval by regulatory authorities. By utilizing these preliminarily developed and validated compounds in combination therapy, the approach achieves enhanced treatment effectiveness without incurring the full time and cost burden of de novo drug development, as the individual components have already been optimized and approved for use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4472635B1Methods of treatment for cystic fibrosis
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INC
  • EP4472635B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4472635B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4472635B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This disclosure provides methods of treating cystic fibrosis or a CFTR-mediated disease comprising administering Compound I, a deuterated derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any of the foregoing. The disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising Compound I, a deuterated derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any of the foregoing, and optionally comprising one or more additional CFTR-modulating agents.