Cromolyn Mast Cell Stabilization for Coronavirus Inflammation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for active agents that stabilize and inhibit the chronic immune response activation responsible for inducing the life-threatening cytokine release storm in patients infected with COVID-19, as current treatments are limited to symptomatic and supportive care, which are inadequate for severe cases, particularly in individuals with advancing age and co-morbidities.

Innovation Solution

Administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising cromolyn or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, which stabilizes mast cells and modulates the immune response to reduce cytokine release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If symptomatic and supportive care is provided to COVID-19 patients, then basic patient comfort is maintained, but severe inflammation and cytokine release storm cannot be effectively controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidcytokine release storm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cromolyn as an intermediary agent that mediates between the immune system and the cytokine release storm. Cromolyn stabilizes mast cells and modulates immune cell activity, acting as a bridge to prevent excessive cytokine production while maintaining necessary immune defense against the virus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the immune response parameters through cromolyn administration. The compound changes the activation state of immune cells, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and shifting the immune response from a hyperactive state to a controlled state, thereby preventing cytokine storm while maintaining antiviral immunity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If immune response is activated to fight coronavirus, then viral clearance is improved, but chronic immune activation causes harmful inflammation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviral clearance efficiencyVSAvoidchronic inflammation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a dynamic balance in the immune response. Cromolyn enables the immune system to remain responsive to viral threats while dynamically adjusting the intensity of the response to prevent excessive inflammation. The treatment allows the immune system to adapt its activity level based on the infection status and tissue environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where cromolyn modulates immune cell signaling pathways to create negative feedback loops. These feedback mechanisms prevent runaway immune activation by detecting and suppressing excessive pro-inflammatory signals while maintaining sensitivity to antiviral signals, thereby clearing viruses without causing chronic inflammation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12458622B2Methods of treatment of coronavirus-induced inflammation conditions

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method of treating one or more inflammation conditions induced by a coronavirus infection in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula I or Formula II:whereinR1 is halogen, OH, or —OC(O)C1-5alkylR2 and R3 are each independently selected from CO2R4 and CH2OR5;R4 is Li, Na, K, H, C1-5alkyl, or —CH2CO(C1-5alkyl); andR5 is H or —C(O)(C1-5alkyl),or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.