Galactosidase Enzyme Compositions for GERD Reflux Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are inadequate in preventing and treating the condition, as they often rely on lifestyle changes and medications that may not effectively reduce acid reflux symptoms for all patients.

Innovation Solution

Pharmaceutical or nutritional compositions containing α-galactosidase and β-galactosidase, which can be used alone or in combination with other active ingredients, are administered to reduce acid reflux by enhancing digestion of oligosaccharides and lactose, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of reflux episodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional treatments (lifestyle changes and medications) are used for GERD, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but treatment effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces galactosidase enzymes as intermediary substances that mediate between undigested carbohydrates and the digestive system. These enzymes break down oligosaccharides and lactose into simpler sugars, preventing fermentation and gas production that trigger reflux, thereby enhancing treatment effectiveness without significantly increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the biochemical parameter of carbohydrate digestion by introducing exogenous galactosidase enzymes. This parameter change enables complete breakdown of previously indigestible carbohydrates, fundamentally altering the digestive process to prevent reflux episodes while maintaining treatment simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If galactosidase compositions are added to enhance digestion, then treatment effectiveness improves, but treatment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereflux reduction effectivenessVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges alpha-galactosidase and beta-galactosidase into a single compositional unit that can be administered together. This combining of multiple enzymatic functions into one preparation enhances reflux reduction effectiveness while minimizing the increase in treatment complexity by providing a unified dosage form

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional composition that simultaneously performs both alpha-galactosidase and beta-galactosidase activities. This universal preparation handles multiple types of carbohydrate digestion (oligosaccharides and lactose) with a single agent, improving effectiveness without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 compositions significantly reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux episodes, providing an alternative treatment strategy for patients who do not respond to conventional therapies, and can be used as an add-on therapy to improve the quality of life for individuals with GERD.

Implementation Method 1

Pharmaceutical or nutritional compositions containing α-galactosidase and β-galactosidase, which can be used alone or in combination with other active ingredients, are administered to reduce acid reflux by enhancing digestion of oligosaccharides and lactose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

enhancing digestion of oligosaccharides and lactose, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of reflux episodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS9402885B2Method of treating GERD with alpha and beta galactosidases
Publication Date: 2016.08.02 ALFASIGMA SPA

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to pharmaceutical or nutritional compositions containing α-galactosidase and β-galactosidase and their use in the prevention and/or treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease; in particular the present disclosure related to pharmaceutical or nutritional compositions.