CG Oligonucleotides Enhance Steroid Efficacy in Inflammatory Disease

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for inflammatory diseases, particularly those affecting the airways, often fail to respond adequately in patients, leading to chronic and disabling conditions due to steroid resistance or refractoriness.

Innovation Solution

Administration of a CG-containing oligonucleotide that enhances steroid efficacy by inducing endogenous cytokine production, such as interferons and IL-10, to influence inflammatory status and improve responsiveness to anti-inflammatory treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional anti-inflammatory treatments (steroids) are used, then inflammation is suppressed in most patients, but treatment fails in steroid-resistant patients leading to chronic and disabling conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to anti-inflammatory treatmentVSAvoideffectiveness across different patient populations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces CG-containing oligonucleotides as intermediary substances that modulate the inflammatory response. These oligonucleotides act as mediators between the immune system and the inflammatory process, inducing endogenous cytokine production (such as interferons and IL-10) that enhance the effectiveness of conventional steroid treatments in steroid-resistant patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the biochemical parameters of the inflammatory response by introducing oligonucleotides that alter cytokine production patterns. This parameter change transforms the inflammatory environment, making it more responsive to anti-inflammatory treatments by inducing protective cytokines that counteract pro-inflammatory signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If steroid treatment is administered, then acute inflammation is controlled, but chronic inflammation and tissue destruction persist due to steroid resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of anti-inflammatory effectVSAvoidtissue destruction and chronic damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by administering CG-containing oligonucleotides before or concomitantly with steroid treatment. This preliminary modulation of the immune response prepares the system to respond more effectively to steroids, preventing the development of steroid resistance and reducing chronic inflammation before it can cause irreversible tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of persistent inflammation into a beneficial response by inducing endogenous cytokine production. The oligonucleotides trigger the production of protective cytokines (interferons, IL-10) that transform the inflammatory environment, turning a harmful chronic inflammatory state into a controlled, protective immune response.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Quantity of substance

If high doses of steroids are used, then adequate anti-inflammatory response is achieved in responsive patients, but treatment failure and adverse effects occur in steroid-resistant patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose of anti-inflammatory treatmentVSAvoidconsistency of treatment response

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses CG-containing oligonucleotides as intermediary agents that enhance the effectiveness of steroid treatment. These oligonucleotides induce endogenous cytokine production that synergizes with steroid action, allowing for more consistent and reliable anti-inflammatory response across different patient populations without requiring excessively high steroid doses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The oligonucleotide significantly reduces inflammatory responses in airway tissues, as demonstrated by reduced neutrophil and leukocyte influx, and enhances steroid efficacy, allowing for a more effective management of inflammatory conditions in steroid-resistant patients.

Implementation Method 1

Administration of a CG-containing oligonucleotide that enhances steroid efficacy by inducing endogenous cytokine production, such as interferons and IL-10, to influence inflammatory status

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCpG oligonucleotide-induced cytokine production:

Data Source

PatentUS8895522B2Composition and method for the prevention, treatment and/or alleviation of an inflammatory disease

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 INDEX PHARMA

AI summary

A method for enhancing the clinical responsiveness to an anti-inflammatory therapy in a patient afflicted with an inflammatory condition, comprising administering an oligonucleotide having the sequence 5′-Xm-CG-Yn-3′ in an effective amount to said patient, and wherein X is A, T, C or G; Y is A, T, C or G; m=1-40; n=1-40 and wherein at least one CG dinucleotide is unmethylated. The invention also encompasses the use of such an oligonucleotide for the manufacture of a medicament for enhancing steroid efficacy in the treatment of a patient afflicted with an inflammatory condition.