Factor D Inhibitors for Complement Pathway Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for disorders mediated by the complement cascade, such as age-related macular degeneration and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, lack effective inhibitors for the complement pathway, particularly for Factor D, leading to inadequate control of inflammatory responses and cellular damage.

Innovation Solution

Development of specific compounds, represented by Formula 605 or 609, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which act as inhibitors of the complement factor D cascade to treat disorders associated with the alternative, classical, or lectin complement pathways, including inflammatory and immune conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current treatments for complement-mediated disorders are used, then existing therapeutic options are limited, but effective control of inflammatory responses and cellular damage cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective control of inflammatory responsesVSAvoidavailable therapeutic options
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the complement system into specific targetable components, particularly Factor D of the alternative pathway, allowing for selective inhibition rather than broad suppression. This enables precise control of inflammatory responses while preserving other immune functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces Factor D inhibitors as intermediary substances that mediate between the complement system and pathological outcomes. These inhibitors act as molecular mediators to block the alternative pathway's amplification loop, controlling inflammation without completely disabling the immune system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the alternative complement pathway is activated, then rapid response to pathogens is achieved, but excessive activation leads to cellular damage and inflammatory disorders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speed to pathogensVSAvoidcellular damage from excessive activation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies partial inhibition of the complement system by specifically targeting Factor D in the alternative pathway. This allows the classical and lectin pathways to remain functional for pathogen detection, while the alternative pathway's excessive amplification is curtailed to prevent cellular damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality control by introducing Factor D inhibitors that specifically affect the alternative pathway's amplification loop. This creates a localized regulatory mechanism that modulates inflammation in specific tissues or compartments without globally suppressing immune response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If Factor H is non-functional, then alternative pathway activation is unchecked, but this leads to increased C-reactive protein and macular degeneration risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplement pathway regulationVSAvoidinflammation and cellular damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a synthetic copy of Factor H's protective function through Factor D inhibitors. Since Factor H normally regulates the alternative pathway by preventing uncontrolled C3 convertase formation, the inhibitors replicate this regulatory effect by blocking Factor D, thereby compensating for Factor H deficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the complement system to self-regulate by introducing inhibitors that allow the system to automatically control its own alternative pathway activation. The Factor D inhibitors enable endogenous regulation mechanisms to function properly, reducing reliance on external therapeutic intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3340982B1Compounds for treatment of immune and inflammatory disorders
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 ACHILLION PHARMA INC
  • EP3340982B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3340982B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3340982B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Compounds, methods of use, and processes for making inhibitors of complement Factor D are provided comprising Formula I, I" and I'" or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or composition thereof. The inhibitors described herein target Factor D and inhibit or regulate the complement cascade. The inhibitors of Factor D described herein reduces the excessive activation of complement.