Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD and chronic inflammation

It is generally acknowledged that chronic inflammation plays a central role in COPD. Typically, patients show chronic inflammation of the airways, lung tissue and pulmonary blood vessels from the start of the disease. The abnormal inflammatory response in COPD is triggered by the inhalation of noxious substances such as tobacco smoke and leads to structural changes and narrowing of the small airways. Inflammation is further amplified by oxidative stress.

Chronic COPD inflammation is very different from asthma inflammation. These differences in the inflammatory pattern may also account for the differences in the response to therapy achieved in the two diseases, e.g. COPD typically shows a limited response to inhaled corticosteroids when compared to the efficacy achieved in asthma.

Although clinical management of COPD has improved in recent years, there is still a major medical need for different types of COPD treatment.

Anti-constriction and anti-inflammation effect of SUL-compounds

Current therapeutic options are mainly limited to symptomatic treatment. Fortunatley, there is increasing attention being paid to the inflammatory component of COPD in the airways and lung parenchyma. Sulfateq BV has conducted very succeful first animal studies using its SUL-compounds, focussing on countarcting airway constriction and immune activation. We therefore see huge potential to address this major COPD related medical need with SUL-compounds based drug development.

Benefits SUL compounds for COPD treatment

  • Different mechanism
  • Both anti-constriction and anti-inflammation
  • Opportunity for a so-called “drug holiday” (strategic treatment interruption)