Oral SOD Composition with Shellac Coating for Macular Degeneration

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for wet macular degeneration, such as anti-VEGF antibody therapy, are ineffective in completely inhibiting choroidal neovascularization and do not prevent the loss of functional photoreceptor cells, and require intravitreal injections, which are invasive and have side effects.

Innovation Solution

An oral composition comprising purified superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, sourced from a GRAS bacterium like Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, is administered to inhibit choroidal neovascularization and restore retinal function, using shellac to protect the enzyme from gastric acid and ensure effective delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If anti-VEGF antibody therapy is administered to treat wet macular degeneration, then some inhibition of choroidal neovascularization is achieved, but complete inhibition is not achieved and photoreceptor cell loss is not prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidincomplete inhibition of CNV and photoreceptor cell loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment approach is segmented into multiple components: SOD enzyme for oxidative stress reduction, shellac coating for protective delivery, and potential combination with anti-VEGF agents. This multi-component strategy addresses the limitations of single-agent therapy by targeting multiple pathogenic mechanisms simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Shellac serves as an intermediary substance that protects the SOD enzyme from gastric acid degradation and facilitates its delivery to the target site. The shellac coating acts as a mediator between the enzyme and the harsh gastric environment, enabling effective delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If intravitreal injection is used to administer anti-VEGF antibody, then direct delivery to the eye is achieved, but invasive procedures and side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect delivery to eyeVSAvoidinvasive procedure and side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical injection system is replaced with an oral administration system. Instead of using a syringe and needle for intravitreal injection, the invention uses an oral composition that is swallowed and delivered systemically, eliminating the need for invasive eye procedures while achieving therapeutic delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Shellac serves as an intermediary substance that protects the SOD enzyme from gastric acid degradation and facilitates its delivery to the target site. The shellac coating acts as a mediator between the enzyme and the harsh gastric environment, enabling effective delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If oral composition is used to deliver SOD enzyme, then non-invasive administration is achieved, but the enzyme must withstand gastric acid to remain effective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoral administrationVSAvoidenzyme stability in gastric acid

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Shellac serves as an intermediary substance that protects the SOD enzyme from gastric acid degradation and facilitates its delivery to the target site. The shellac coating acts as a mediator between the enzyme and the harsh gastric environment, enabling effective delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The SOD enzyme is encapsulated in a shellac coating that forms a protective shell around the delicate enzyme molecules. This thin film barrier protects the enzyme from gastric acid while allowing the composition to be administered orally, combining ease of administration with enzyme stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 oral SOD composition effectively inhibits choroidal neovascularization, decreases cell death, and improves retinal function without the need for intravitreal injections, providing a safer and more effective treatment for wet macular degeneration.

Implementation Method 1

using shellac to protect the enzyme from gastric acid and ensure effective delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProtective coating: Coatings

Implementation Method 2

administering an oral composition comprising superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme to inhibit choroidal neovascularization and restore retinal function

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS20210275645A1Compositions and methods for preventing or treating macular degeneration

Publication Date: 2021.09.09 GENOFOCUS CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates, in part, to methods of preventing or treating macular degeneration in a subject by administering a composition comprising a superoxide dismutase enzyme. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical and/or food compositions comprising a superoxide dismutase enzyme.