Psoriasis is a common, inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by hyper-proliferation of keratinocytes. A variety of antipsoriatic therapies are available, however, due to problems with side effects and variability in clinical response, intense clinical and commercial interest remains in the development of new treatments. Thiazolidinediones, a novel class of compounds that activate the nuclear hormone receptor PPAR gamma, have recently been found to reversibly inhibit the proliferation of both normal and psoriatic human keratinocytes in vitro, and ameliorate the histologic abnormalities of psoriatic skin in organ culture and in the scid mouse/human skin transplant model of psoriasis. In the current proposal, we will: 1) perform pilot studies of the antipsoriatic effects of orally administered thiazolidinediones in humans; 2) investigate the cellular mechanisms that mediate the antipsoriatic effects of thiazolidinediones, and 3) investigate the antipsoriatic potential of a recently developed series of novel thiazolidinediones that are expected to be more effective than existing compounds with respect to ameliorating the epidermal inflammation and hyperproliferation that characterizes psoriasis. By investigating clinical efficacy, by addressing therapeutic mechanisms, and by testing novel thiazolidinediones, the current Phase II studies will significantly advance the potential for Phase III commercial development of thiazolidinediones in the treatment of psoriasis.

Proposed Commercial Applications

NOT AVAILABLE

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants - Phase II (R42)
Project #
5R42AR044767-03
Application #
6534436
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-Z (01))
Program Officer
Moshell, Alan N
Project Start
1997-09-30
Project End
2004-08-31
Budget Start
2002-09-01
Budget End
2004-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$267,500
Indirect Cost
Name
Bethesda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Bakersfield
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
93311
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