NBMI Ascorbate Regeneration for COPD Symptom Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are inadequate in improving airflow and are associated with significant economic and socio-economic burdens, with a need for therapies that can target key pathological processes to modify disease progression and alleviate symptoms.

Innovation Solution

The use of N,N-bis-2-mercaptoethyl isophthalamide (NBMI) or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives, which inhibit anti-inflammatory markers and regenerate ascorbate, administered to patients to treat COPD, thereby ameliorating symptoms and modifying disease progression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current frontline treatments (inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids) are administered, then some symptom relief is achieved, but airflow reduction does not improve significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymptom reliefVSAvoidairflow improvement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pharmacological parameters by introducing NBMI, a compound with different mechanisms of action compared to conventional bronchodilators and corticosteroids. NBMI acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that targets the underlying oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, thereby improving airflow while providing symptom relief.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

NBMI serves as an intermediary substance that mediates between the oxidative stress/inflammation causes and the respiratory symptoms. By scavenging reactive oxygen species and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, NBMI addresses the root causes rather than just treating symptoms, leading to significant airflow improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If more drastic measures (oxygen therapy and lung transplantation) are employed, then severe symptoms are managed, but economic burden increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymptom managementVSAvoideconomic burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

NBMI provides preliminary action by addressing oxidative stress and inflammation early in the disease progression. By preventing further tissue damage and functional decline through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, NBMI can delay or prevent the need for expensive interventions like oxygen therapy and lung transplantation, thereby reducing long-term economic burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful oxidative stress and inflammation that drive disease progression into beneficial effects. NBMI scavenges reactive oxygen species and inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines, transforming the harmful oxidative environment into a protective one, thereby slowing disease progression and reducing the need for costly advanced treatments.

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

3Duration of action of stationary object

If NBMI is administered to regenerate ascorbate and inhibit inflammatory markers, then disease progression is modified, but new therapeutic mechanism is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisease progression modificationVSAvoidtherapeutic mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

NBMI exhibits multi-functionality by simultaneously acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and ascorbate regenerating compound. This universal compound addresses multiple pathological processes (oxidative stress, inflammation, and antioxidant depletion) through a single mechanism, simplifying the therapeutic approach while achieving durable disease progression modification.

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

NBMI effectively reduces inflammatory cytokine secretion, regenerates ascorbate, and improves symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and cough in COPD patients, offering a therapeutic option with minimal adverse side effects and potential to slow disease progression.

Implementation Method 1

NBMI may exert this action by functioning as an electron donor for ascorbate recycling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron donation: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

NBMI is known to be a powerful chelator of heavy metals, including mercury, cadmium and lead

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChelation:

Data Source

PatentEP3125876B8New use of n,n-bis-2-mercaptoethyl isophthalamide
Publication Date: 2018.01.24 EMERAMED LTD

AI summary

According to the invention there is provided N,N-bis-2-mercaptoethyl isophthalamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, for use in regenerating ascorbate systemically and thus in the therapeutic treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.