Factor B Inhibitors for Complement Pathway Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other complement-mediated diseases, particularly neovascular AMD, are inadequate, with anti-VEGF agents like Lucentis providing limited efficacy, and there is a need for therapeutic agents that can effectively inhibit the complement alternative pathway to prevent or treat these conditions.

Innovation Solution

Development of compounds that modulate and inhibit Factor B activity, specifically high-affinity Factor B inhibitors that target the alternative complement pathway, thereby suppressing C3 activation across all activation pathways, including classical, lectin, and alternative pathways, to treat or prevent complement-mediated diseases such as AMD, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If anti-VEGF agents like Lucentis are used to treat AMD, then some therapeutic effect is achieved, but the efficacy is limited and does not adequately address the underlying pathogenesis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidtreatment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and targets the specific complement alternative pathway mechanism as the root cause of AMD pathogenesis. By identifying Factor B as the critical enzyme driving complement amplification, the invention isolates this specific molecular target from the complex disease process, enabling focused inhibition that directly addresses the underlying pathogenesis rather than just treating symptoms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the therapeutic parameter from broad anti-VEGF activity to specific Factor B inhibition. By developing compounds that selectively inhibit Factor B with high affinity, the treatment shifts from nonspecific anti-angiogenic effects to precise complement pathway modulation, thereby improving reliability through mechanism-based therapy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If Factor B inhibition is implemented to block complement amplification, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but the complexity of the treatment mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidmechanism of action complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Factor B inhibitors as intermediary compounds that mediate between the complement system and therapeutic intervention. These small molecule inhibitors act as intermediaries that bind to Factor B and block its catalytic activity, thereby translating the biological insight about complement amplification into a practical therapeutic mechanism without requiring complex delivery systems or combination therapies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2855456B1Complement pathway modulators and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2017.03.29 NOVARTIS AG

AI summary

The present invention provides a compound of formula I: (I) a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.