U.S. patent application number 15/873099 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-20 for methods and compositions for regulating srca2a expression levels in myocardial infarction.
The applicant listed for this patent is Stealth BioTherapeutics Corp.. Invention is credited to Robert A. KLONER, D. Travis WILSON.
Application Number | 20180360906 15/873099 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52346623 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180360906 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WILSON; D. Travis ; et
al. |
December 20, 2018 |
METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR REGULATING SRCA2A EXPRESSION LEVELS IN
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Abstract
The disclosure provides methods and compositions for increasing
SERCA2a expression levels in a mammalian subject in need thereof.
The methods comprise administering to the subject a therapeutic
amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to subjects in need thereof.
In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide is
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof such as acetate or trifluoroacetate salt. In some
embodiments, the subject has suffered a myocardial infarction.
Inventors: |
WILSON; D. Travis; (Newton,
MA) ; KLONER; Robert A.; (Toluca Lake, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stealth BioTherapeutics Corp. |
Monaco |
|
MC |
|
|
Family ID: |
52346623 |
Appl. No.: |
15/873099 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14899007 |
Dec 16, 2015 |
9877997 |
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PCT/US14/43929 |
Jun 24, 2014 |
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15873099 |
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61839758 |
Jun 26, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 9/10 20180101; A61K
45/06 20130101; A61K 31/401 20130101; A61K 38/06 20130101; A61K
31/573 20130101; A61K 38/07 20130101; A61K 31/573 20130101; A61K
2300/00 20130101; A61K 31/401 20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 38/06 20060101
A61K038/06; A61K 45/06 20060101 A61K045/06; A61K 38/07 20060101
A61K038/07; A61K 31/401 20060101 A61K031/401; A61K 31/573 20060101
A61K031/573 |
Claims
1. A method for increasing SERCA2a expression in a mammalian
subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the mammalian
subject a therapeutically effective amount an aromatic-cationic
peptide, wherein the aromatic-cationic peptide comprises
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject has suffered a
myocardial infarction.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the myocardial infarction results
from hypertension; ischemic heart disease; exposure to a
cardiotoxic compound; myocarditis; thyroid disease; viral
infection; gingivitis; drug abuse; alcohol abuse; pericarditis;
atherosclerosis; vascular disease; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
acute myocardial infarction; left ventricular systolic dysfunction;
coronary bypass surgery; starvation; an eating disorder; or a
genetic defect.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the aromatic-cationic peptide is
administered about 0.5 hours to 4 hours after myocardial
infarction.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the increase of SERCA2a
expression prevents, ameliorates, or treats LV remodeling.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the increase of SERCA2a
expression increases LV function compared to a control subject not
administered the aromatic-cationic peptide.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein increased LV function is
determined by one or more physiological measures factors from the
group consisting of reduced LV stroke volume, improved LV ejection
fraction, improved fractional shortening, reduced infarct
expansion, improved hemodynamics, and reduced lung volumes.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is a human.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the peptide is administered
orally, topically, systemically, intravenously, subcutaneously,
intraperitoneally, or intramuscularly.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising separately,
sequentially or simultaneously administering a cardiovascular agent
to the subject.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the cardiovascular agent is
selected from the group consisting of: an anti-arrhthymia agent, a
vasodilator, an anti-anginal agent, a corticosteroid, a
cardioglycoside, a diuretic, a sedative, an angiotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, an angiotensin II antagonist, a
thrombolytic agent, a calcium channel blocker, a throboxane
receptor antagonist, a radical scavenger, an anti-platelet drug, a
.beta.-adrenaline receptor blocking drug, .alpha.-receptor blocking
drug, a sympathetic nerve inhibitor, a digitalis formulation, an
inotrope, captopril, and an antihyperlipidemic drug.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Application No. 61/839,758, filed Jun. 26, 2013, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present technology relates generally to methods of
treating or preventing left ventricular remodeling in a subject in
need thereof. In particular, the present technology relates to
administering aromatic-cationic peptides in effective amounts to
regulate (e.g., increase) sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase
2a ("SERCA2a") post myocardial infarction.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The following description is provided to assist the
understanding of the reader. None of the information provided or
references cited is admitted to be prior art to the present
technology.
[0004] Following myocardial infarction there is a dynamic and
progressive left ventricle (LV) remodeling that contributes to LV
dilation, heart failure, and death. LV remodeling increases LV wall
stress, which leads to an increase in oxygen demand. To help
compensate for the loss of myocardium and reduced stroke volume,
the LV develops global dilation and the non-infarcted wall of the
LV develops eccentric hypertrophy. As the ventricle dilates, the
dilation process initially helps to compensate for reduced stroke
volume. However, eventually progressive dilatation and hypertrophy
lead to congestive heart failure. One of the strongest predictors
of death one year post myocardial infarction is the volume of the
left ventricle.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present technology relates generally to the
normalization (e.g., increase) of SERCA2a expression by
administration of therapeutically effective amounts of
aromatic-cationic peptides to subjects in need thereof.
[0006] In some aspects, the present technology provides methods for
normalizing or stabilizing (e.g., increasing) SERCA2a expression a
mammalian subject in need thereof by administering a
therapeutically effective amount an aromatic-cationic peptide.
[0007] In some embodiments, the stabilization (e.g., increasing) of
SERCA2a expression prevents, ameliorates, or treats LV
remodeling.
[0008] In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide is
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof such as acetate or trifluoroacetate salt. In some
embodiments, the subject has suffered a myocardial infarction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the effect of
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 on SERCA2a expression in border
zone cells and remote area cells.
[0010] FIGS. 2A-2C are graphs showing the effect of
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 on left ventricle fractional
shortening.
[0011] FIG. 3A is a graph showing the effect of
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 on left ventricle stroke
volume.
[0012] FIG. 3B is a graph showing the effect of
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 on left ventricle ejection
fraction.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the effect of
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 on post-mortem LV volume.
[0014] FIGS. 5A-5C are graphs showing the effect of
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 on LV non-scar and scar
circumference.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a graph showing that
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 reduces LV volume/heart weight.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] It is to be appreciated that certain aspects, modes,
embodiments, variations and features of the technology are
described below in various levels of detail in order to provide a
substantial understanding of the present technology. The
definitions of certain terms as used in this specification are
provided below. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and
scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this technology belongs.
[0017] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to
"a cell" includes a combination of two or more cells, and the
like.
[0018] As used herein, the "administration" of an agent, drug, or
peptide to a subject includes any route of introducing or
delivering to a subject a compound to perform its intended
function. Administration can be carried out by any suitable route,
including orally, intranasally, parenterally (intravenously,
intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, or subcutaneously), or
topically. Administration includes self-administration and the
administration by another.
[0019] As used herein, the term "amino acid" includes
naturally-occurring amino acids and synthetic amino acids, as well
as amino acid analogs and amino acid mimetics that function in a
manner similar to the naturally-occurring amino acids. Naturally
occurring amino acids are those encoded by the genetic code, as
well as those amino acids that are later modified, e.g.,
hydroxyproline, .gamma.-carboxyglutamate, and O-phosphoserine.
Amino acid analogs refers to compounds that have the same basic
chemical structure as a naturally-occurring amino acid, i.e., an
.alpha.-carbon that is bound to a hydrogen, a carboxyl group, an
amino group, and an R group, e.g., homoserine, norleucine,
methionine sulfoxide, methionine methyl sulfonium. Such analogs
have modified R groups (e.g., norleucine) or modified peptide
backbones, but retain the same basic chemical structure as a
naturally occurring amino acid. Amino acid mimetics refers to
chemical compounds that have a structure that is different from the
general chemical structure of an amino acid, but that functions in
a manner similar to a naturally occurring amino acid. Amino acids
can be referred to herein by either their commonly known three
letter symbols or by the one-letter symbols recommended by the
IUPAC-IUB Biochemical Nomenclature Commission.
[0020] As used herein, the term "border zone cells" refers to
cardiac cells that border, surround, or lie in close proximity to
an infarct zone in a heart. In some embodiments, the border zone is
a strip of non-infarcted heart tissue about 2 mm in width
surrounding the scar. Border zone cells are the cardiac cells that
are subject to left ventricular remodeling, as the border zone
cells compensate for the necrotic cardiac tissue resulting from the
infarct.
[0021] As used herein, the term "remote cells" refers to cardiac
cells beyond the border zone cells. These cells lie farther away
from the infarct zone and normally remain unaffected from the
infarction.
[0022] As used herein, the term "control" has its customary meaning
in the art, and can refer to e.g., cells, such as border zone cells
or remote cells, that are not treated with a therapeutic agent or
test agent, e.g., such an aromatic-cationic peptide. Controls can
be used, as is known in the art, as "standards" to ascertain the
effect of a particular treatment. For example, control (untreated)
border zone cells and remote cells can be used to determine the
effect of aromatic-cationic peptide treatment on border zone cells
and remote cells.
[0023] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to a
quantity sufficient to achieve a desired therapeutic and/or
prophylactic effect, e.g., an amount that results in the
stabilization (e.g., increase) of SERCA2a expression. Additionally,
as used herein, effective amount can refer to a quantity that
results in a prevention of, or a decrease in, LV remodeling or one
or more symptoms associated with LV remodeling. In the context of
therapeutic or prophylactic applications, the amount of a
composition administered to the subject will depend on the type and
severity of the disease and on the characteristics of the
individual, such as general health, age, sex, body weight and
tolerance to drugs. It will also depend on the degree, severity and
type of disease. The skilled artisan will be able to determine
appropriate dosages depending on these and other factors.
[0024] As used herein, the term "left ventricle (LV) remodeling"
has its customary meaning known in the art and refers to a
condition typically characterized by increasing LV wall stress and
increasing oxygen demand. LV remodeling may also include LV
dilation and the development of eccentric hypertrophy in the
non-infarct cardiac cells of the LV. During this process,
sarcomeres are added on in a circumferential or lengthwise fashion.
As the ventricle dilates this process initially helps to compensate
for reduced stroke volume, but eventually progressive dilatation
and hypertrophy lead to congestive heart failure. One of the
strongest predictors of death one year post myocardial infarction
is the volume of the left ventricle. The more dilated, the greater
the chance of death. The signs of LV remodeling include, but are
not limited to: reduced LV stroke volume, reduced LV ejection
fraction, poor fractional shortening, increased infarct expansion,
poor hemodynamics, increased scar formation in LV myocardium, and
increased lung volumes.
[0025] An used herein, the terms "isolated" or "purified"
polypeptide or peptide refers to polypeptides or peptides
substantially free of cellular material or other contaminating
polypeptides from the cell or tissue source from which the agent is
derived, or substantially free from chemical precursors or other
chemicals when chemically synthesized. For example, an isolated
aromatic-cationic peptide would be free of materials that would
interfere with diagnostic or therapeutic uses of the agent. Such
interfering materials may include enzymes, hormones and other
proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous solutes.
[0026] As used herein, "net charge" refers to the balance of the
number of positive charges and the number of negative charges
carried by the amino acids present in the peptide. In this
specification, it is understood that net charges are measured at
physiological pH. The naturally occurring amino acids that are
positively charged at physiological pH include L-lysine,
L-arginine, and L-histidine. The naturally occurring amino acids
that are negatively charged at physiological pH include L-aspartic
acid and L-glutamic acid.
[0027] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt"
refers a salt prepared from a base or an acid which is acceptable
for administration to a patient, such as a mammal (e.g., salts
having acceptable mammalian safety for a given dosage regime).
However, it is understood that the salts are not required to be
pharmaceutically acceptable salts, such as salts of intermediate
compounds that are not intended for administration to a patient.
Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be derived from
pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic bases and from
pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acids. In
addition, when a peptide contains both a basic moiety, such as an
amine, pyridine or imidazole, and an acidic moiety such as a
carboxylic acid or tetrazole, zwitterions may be formed and are
included within the term "salt" as used herein.
[0028] As used herein the term "pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier" includes saline, solvents, dispersion media, coatings,
antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption
delaying agents, and the like, compatible with pharmaceutical
administration.
[0029] As used herein, the terms "polypeptide," "peptide," and
"protein" are used interchangeably herein to mean a polymer
comprising two or more amino acids joined to each other by peptide
bonds or modified peptide bonds, i.e., peptide isosteres.
Polypeptide refers to both short chains, commonly referred to as
peptides, glycopeptides or oligomers, and to longer chains,
generally referred to as proteins. Polypeptides may contain amino
acids other than the 20 gene-encoded amino acids. Polypeptides
include amino acid sequences modified either by natural processes,
such as post-translational processing, or by chemical modification
techniques that are well known in the art.
[0030] As used herein, the term "simultaneous" therapeutic use
refers to the administration of at least two active ingredients by
the same route and at the same time or at substantially the same
time.
[0031] As used herein, the term "separate" therapeutic use refers
to an administration of at least two active ingredients at the same
time or at substantially the same time by different routes.
[0032] As used herein, the term "sequential" therapeutic use refers
to administration of at least two active ingredients at different
times, the administration route being identical or different. More
particularly, sequential use refers to the whole administration of
one of the active ingredients before administration of the other or
others commences. It is thus possible to administer one of the
active ingredients over several minutes, hours, or days before
administering the other active ingredient or ingredients. There is
no simultaneous treatment in this case.
[0033] As used herein, the term "stabilize" or "stabilizing" in
regards to gene expression (e.g., SERCA2a expression) refers to
maintaining, normalizing or regaining gene expression levels (e.g.,
RNA or protein levels) in cells, such as border zone or remote
infarct cardiac cells, to about the same level of expression as
non-infarct normal cardiac cells. For example, as disclosed herein,
administration of an aromatic-cationic peptide to subjects with
reduced SERCA2a levels results in the subject having increased
SERCA2a levels as compared to untreated control subjects. In some
embodiments, administration of an aromatic-cationic peptide to a
subject susceptible to or suffering from a disease or condition
characterized by low SERCA2a levels results in the subject having
higher SERCA2a levels (e.g., less reduction in SERCA2a expression
levels) than an untreated control subject.
[0034] As used herein, the terms "treating," "treatment," or
"alleviation" refers to therapeutic treatment, wherein the object
is to reduce or slow down (lessen) the targeted pathologic
condition or disorder. For example, a subject is successfully
"treated" for LV remodeling if, after receiving a therapeutic
amount of the aromatic-cationic peptides according to the methods
described herein, the subject shows observable and/or measurable
reduction in or absence of (e.g., a physiological improvement of)
one or more signs and symptoms of LV remodeling, such as, e.g.,
reduced LV stroke volume, reduced LV ejection fraction, poor
fractional shortening, increased infarct expansion, poor
hemodynamics, increased scar formation in LV myocardium, myocardial
stretching and thinning, and increased lung volumes. It is also to
be appreciated that the various modes of treatment or prevention of
medical conditions as described are intended to mean "substantial,"
which includes total but also less than total treatment or
prevention, and wherein some biologically or medically relevant
result is achieved. Treating LV remodeling, as used herein, also
refers to the increase or preventing the decease of mitochondrial
biogenesis. In some embodiments, treating LV remodeling includes
increasing expression levels of SERCA2a (e.g., RNA and/or protein
levels) and/or activity in a subject in need thereof.
[0035] As used herein, "prevention" or "preventing" of a disorder
or condition refers to a compound that, in a statistical sample,
reduces the occurrence of the disorder or condition in the treated
sample relative to an untreated control sample, or delays the onset
of one or more symptoms of the disorder or condition relative to
the untreated control sample. As used herein, preventing LV
remodeling includes preventing the initiation of LV remodeling,
delaying the initiation of LV remodeling, preventing the
progression or advancement of LV remodeling, slowing the
progression or advancement of LV remodeling, and delaying the
progression or advancement of LV remodeling. In some embodiments,
preventing LV remodeling includes increasing expression levels of
SERCA2a (e.g., RNA and/or protein levels) and/or activity in a
subject in need thereof.
[0036] As used herein, the term "chronic," with reference to
administration, refers to administration of a therapeutic agent,
such as an aromatic-cationic peptide, for about 3 days, about 4
days, about 5 days, about 6 days, about 1 week, about 2 weeks,
about 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks 6 weeks, about 2 months, about 3
months, about 6 months, about 9 months, about 1 year or longer. In
some embodiments, chronic administration includes administration
once per day, twice per day, 3-5 times per day, every other day,
every third day, once per week or once per month.
Aromatic-Cationic Peptides
[0037] The present technology relates to the stabilization of
SERCA2a expression and related conditions by administration of
certain aromatic-cationic peptides. The aromatic-cationic peptides
are water-soluble and highly polar. Despite these properties, the
peptides can readily penetrate cell membranes. The
aromatic-cationic peptides typically include a minimum of three
amino acids or a minimum of four amino acids, covalently joined by
peptide bonds. The maximum number of amino acids present in the
aromatic-cationic peptides is about twenty amino acids covalently
joined by peptide bonds. Suitably, the maximum number of amino
acids is about twelve, more preferably about nine, and most
preferably about six.
[0038] The amino acids of the aromatic-cationic peptides can be any
amino acid. The amino acids may be naturally occurring. Naturally
occurring amino acids include, for example, the twenty most common
levorotatory (L) amino acids normally found in mammalian proteins,
i.e., alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic
acid (Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (Glu),
glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu),
lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro),
serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan, (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr),
and valine (Val). Other naturally occurring amino acids include,
for example, amino acids that are synthesized in metabolic
processes not associated with protein synthesis. For example, the
amino acids ornithine and citrulline are synthesized in mammalian
metabolism during the production of urea. Another example of a
naturally occurring amino acid includes hydroxyproline (Hyp).
[0039] The peptides optionally contain one or more non-naturally
occurring amino acids. Optimally, the peptide has no amino acids
that are naturally occurring. The non-naturally occurring amino
acids may be levorotary (L-), dextrorotatory (D-), or mixtures
thereof. Non-naturally occurring amino acids are those amino acids
that typically are not synthesized in normal metabolic processes in
living organisms, and do not naturally occur in proteins. In
addition, the non-naturally occurring amino acids suitably are also
not recognized by common proteases. The non-naturally occurring
amino acid can be present at any position in the peptide. For
example, the non-naturally occurring amino acid can be at the
N-terminus, the C-terminus, or at any position between the
N-terminus and the C-terminus.
[0040] The non-natural amino acids may, for example, comprise
alkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl groups not found in natural amino acids.
Some examples of non-natural alkyl amino acids include
.alpha.-aminobutyric acid, .beta.-aminobutyric acid,
.gamma.-aminobutyric acid, .delta.-aminovaleric acid, and
.epsilon.-aminocaproic acid. Some examples of non-natural aryl
amino acids include ortho-, meta, and para-aminobenzoic acid. Some
examples of non-natural alkylaryl amino acids include ortho-,
meta-, and para-aminophenylacetic acid, and
.gamma.-phenyl-.beta.-aminobutyric acid. Non-naturally occurring
amino acids include derivatives of naturally occurring amino acids.
The derivatives of naturally occurring amino acids may, for
example, include the addition of one or more chemical groups to the
naturally occurring amino acid.
[0041] For example, one or more chemical groups can be added to one
or more of the 2', 3', 4', 5', or 6' position of the aromatic ring
of a phenylalanine or tyrosine residue, or the 4', 5', 6', or 7'
position of the benzo ring of a tryptophan residue. The group can
be any chemical group that can be added to an aromatic ring. Some
examples of such groups include branched or unbranched
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl,
butyl, isobutyl, or t-butyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyloxy (i.e.,
alkoxy), amino, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkylamino and C.sub.1-C.sub.4
dialkylamino (e.g., methylamino, dimethylamino), nitro, hydroxyl,
halo (i.e., fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo). Some specific examples
of non-naturally occurring derivatives of naturally occurring amino
acids include norvaline (Nva) and norleucine (Nle).
[0042] Another example of a modification of an amino acid in a
peptide is the derivatization of a carboxyl group of an aspartic
acid or a glutamic acid residue of the peptide. One example of
derivatization is amidation with ammonia or with a primary or
secondary amine, e.g., methylamine, ethylamine, dimethylamine or
diethylamine. Another example of derivatization includes
esterification with, for example, methyl or ethyl alcohol. Another
such modification includes derivatization of an amino group of a
lysine, arginine, or histidine residue. For example, such amino
groups can be acylated. Some suitable acyl groups include, for
example, a benzoyl group or an alkanoyl group comprising any of the
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl groups mentioned above, such as an acetyl or
propionyl group.
[0043] The non-naturally occurring amino acids are suitably
resistant or insensitive to common proteases. Examples of
non-naturally occurring amino acids that are resistant or
insensitive to proteases include the dextrorotatory (D-) form of
any of the above-mentioned naturally occurring L-amino acids, as
well as L- and/or D-non-naturally occurring amino acids. The
D-amino acids do not normally occur in proteins, although they are
found in certain peptide antibiotics that are synthesized by means
other than the normal ribosomal protein synthetic machinery of the
cell. As used herein, the D-amino acids are considered to be
non-naturally occurring amino acids.
[0044] In order to minimize protease sensitivity, the peptides
should have less than five, preferably less than four, more
preferably less than three, and most preferably, less than two
contiguous L-amino acids recognized by common proteases,
irrespective of whether the amino acids are naturally or
non-naturally occurring. Optimally, the peptide has only D-amino
acids, and no L-amino acids. If the peptide contains protease
sensitive sequences of amino acids, at least one of the amino acids
is preferably a non-naturally-occurring D-amino acid, thereby
conferring protease resistance. An example of a protease sensitive
sequence includes two or more contiguous basic amino acids that are
readily cleaved by common proteases, such as endopeptidases and
trypsin. Examples of basic amino acids include arginine, lysine and
histidine.
[0045] The aromatic-cationic peptides should have a minimum number
of net positive charges at physiological pH in comparison to the
total number of amino acid residues in the peptide. The minimum
number of net positive charges at physiological pH will be referred
to below as (p.sub.m). The total number of amino acid residues in
the peptide will be referred to below as (r). The minimum number of
net positive charges discussed below are all at physiological pH.
The term "physiological pH" as used herein refers to the normal pH
in the cells of the tissues and organs of the mammalian body. For
instance, the physiological pH of a human is normally approximately
7.4, but normal physiological pH in mammals may be any pH from
about 7.0 to about 7.8.
[0046] Typically, an aromatic-cationic peptide has a positively
charged N-terminal amino group and a negatively charged C-terminal
carboxyl group. The charges cancel each other out at physiological
pH. As an example of calculating net charge, the peptide
Tyr-Arg-Phe-Lys-Glu-His-Trp-D-Arg has one negatively charged amino
acid (i.e., Glu) and four positively charged amino acids (i.e., two
Arg residues, one Lys, and one His). Therefore, the above peptide
has a net positive charge of three.
[0047] In one embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptides have a
relationship between the minimum number of net positive charges at
physiological pH (p.sub.m) and the total number of amino acid
residues (r) wherein 3p.sub.m is the largest number that is less
than or equal to r+1. In this embodiment, the relationship between
the minimum number of net positive charges (p.sub.m) and the total
number of amino acid residues (r) is as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Amino acid number and net positive charges
(3p.sub.m .ltoreq. p + 1) (r) 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 (p.sub.m) 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7
[0048] In another embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptides have a
relationship between the minimum number of net positive charges
(p.sub.m) and the total number of amino acid residues (r) wherein
2p.sub.m is the largest number that is less than or equal to r+1.
In this embodiment, the relationship between the minimum number of
net positive charges (p.sub.m) and the total number of amino acid
residues (r) is as follows:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Amino acid number and net positive charges
(2p.sub.m .ltoreq. p + 1) (r) 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 (p.sub.m) 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10
[0049] In one embodiment, the minimum number of net positive
charges (p.sub.m) and the total number of amino acid residues (r)
are equal. In another embodiment, the peptides have three or four
amino acid residues and a minimum of one net positive charge,
suitably, a minimum of two net positive charges and more preferably
a minimum of three net positive charges.
[0050] It is also important that the aromatic-cationic peptides
have a minimum number of aromatic groups in comparison to the total
number of net positive charges (p.sub.t). The minimum number of
aromatic groups will be referred to below as (a). Naturally
occurring amino acids that have an aromatic group include the amino
acids histidine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. For
example, the hexapeptide Lys-Gln-Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Trp has a net
positive charge of two (contributed by the lysine and arginine
residues) and three aromatic groups (contributed by tyrosine,
phenylalanine and tryptophan residues).
[0051] The aromatic-cationic peptides should also have a
relationship between the minimum number of aromatic groups (a) and
the total number of net positive charges at physiological pH
(p.sub.t) wherein 3a is the largest number that is less than or
equal to p.sub.t+1, except that when p.sub.t is 1, a may also be 1.
In this embodiment, the relationship between the minimum number of
aromatic groups (a) and the total number of net positive charges
(p.sub.t) is as follows:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Aromatic groups and net positive charges (3a
.ltoreq. p.sub.t + 1 or a = p.sub.t = 1) (p.sub.t) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 (a) 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5
5 5 6 6 6 7
[0052] In another embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptides have a
relationship between the minimum number of aromatic groups (a) and
the total number of net positive charges (p.sub.t) wherein 2a is
the largest number that is less than or equal to p.sub.t+1. In this
embodiment, the relationship between the minimum number of aromatic
amino acid residues (a) and the total number of net positive
charges (p.sub.t) is as follows:
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Aromatic groups and net positive charges (2a
.ltoreq. p.sub.t + 1 or a = p.sub.t = 1) (p.sub.t) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 (a) 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7
8 8 9 9 10 10
[0053] In another embodiment, the number of aromatic groups (a) and
the total number of net positive charges (p.sub.t) are equal.
[0054] Carboxyl groups, especially the terminal carboxyl group of a
C-terminal amino acid, are suitably amidated with, for example,
ammonia to form the C-terminal amide. Alternatively, the terminal
carboxyl group of the C-terminal amino acid may be amidated with
any primary or secondary amine. The primary or secondary amine may,
for example, be an alkyl, especially a branched or unbranched
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, or an aryl amine. Accordingly, the amino
acid at the C-terminus of the peptide may be converted to an amido,
N-methylamido, N-ethylamido, N,N-dimethylamido, N,N-diethylamido,
N-methyl-N-ethylamido, N-phenylamido or N-phenyl-N-ethylamido
group. The free carboxylate groups of the asparagine, glutamine,
aspartic acid, and glutamic acid residues not occurring at the
C-terminus of the aromatic-cationic peptides may also be amidated
wherever they occur within the peptide. The amidation at these
internal positions may be with ammonia or any of the primary or
secondary amines described above.
[0055] In one embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptide is a
tripeptide having two net positive charges and at least one
aromatic amino acid. In a particular embodiment, the
aromatic-cationic peptide is a tripeptide having two net positive
charges and two aromatic amino acids.
[0056] Aromatic-cationic peptides include, but are not limited to,
the following peptide examples:
TABLE-US-00005 Lys-D-Arg-Tyr-NH.sub.2 Phe-D-Arg-His
D-Tyr-Trp-Lys-NH.sub.2 Trp-D-Lys-Tyr-Arg-NH.sub.2 Tyr-His-D-Gly-Met
Phe-Arg-D-His-Asp Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-Glu-NH.sub.2
Met-Tyr-D-Lys-Phe-Arg D-His-Glu-Lys-Tyr-D-Phe-Arg
Lys-D-Gln-Tyr-Arg-D-Phe-Trp-NH.sub.2
Phe-D-Arg-Lys-Trp-Tyr-D-Arg-His
Gly-D-Phe-Lys-Tyr-His-D-Arg-Tyr-NH.sub.2
Va1-D-Lys-His-Tyr-D-Phe-Ser-Tyr-Arg-NH.sub.2
Trp-Lys-Phe-D-Asp-Arg-Tyr-D-His-Lys
Lys-Trp-D-Tyr-Arg-Asn-Phe-Tyr-D-His-NH.sub.2
Thr-Gly-Tyr-Arg-D-His-Phe-Trp-D-His-Lys
Asp-D-Trp-Lys-Tyr-D-His-Phe-Arg- D-Gly-Lys-NH.sub.2 D-His-Lys-Tyr-
D-Phe-Glu- D-Asp- D-His- D-Lys-Arg- Trp-NH.sub.2
Ala-D-Phe-D-Arg-Tyr-Lys-D-Trp-His-D-Tyr-Gly-Phe Tyr-D-His-Phe-
D-Arg-Asp-Lys- D-Arg-His-Trp-D-His- Phe
Phe-Phe-D-Tyr-Arg-Glu-Asp-D-Lys-Arg-D-Arg-His-Phe- NH.sub.2
Phe-Try-Lys-D-Arg-Trp-His-D-Lys-D-Lys-Glu-Arg-D- Tyr-Thr
Tyr-Asp-D-Lys-Tyr-Phe- D-Lys- D-Arg-Phe-Pro-D-Tyr- His-Lys
Glu-Arg-D-Lys-Tyr- D-Val-Phe- D-His-Trp-Arg-D-Gly-
Tyr-Arg-D-Met-NH.sub.2 Arg-D-Leu-D-Tyr-Phe-Lys-Glu-
D-Lys-Arg-D-Trp-Lys- D-Phe-Tyr-D-Arg-Gly
D-Glu-Asp-Lys-D-Arg-D-His-Phe-Phe-D-Val-Tyr-Arg-
Tyr-D-Tyr-Arg-His-Phe-NH.sub.2
Asp-Arg-D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Arg-D-Lys-Tyr-Arg-D-Tyr-
Trp-D-His-Tyr-D-Phe-Lys-Phe
His-Tyr-D-Arg-Trp-Lys-Phe-D-Asp-Ala-Arg-Cys-D-Tyr-
His-Phe-D-Lys-Tyr-His-Ser-NH.sub.2
Gly-Ala-Lys-Phe-D-Lys-Glu-Arg-Tyr-His-D-Arg-D-Arg-
Asp-Tyr-Trp-D-His-Trp-His-D-Lys-Asp
Thr-Tyr-Arg-D-Lys-Trp-Tyr-Glu-Asp-D-Lys-D-Arg-His-
Phe-D-Tyr-Gly-Val-Ile-D-His-Arg-Tyr-Lys-NH.sub.2
[0057] In one embodiment, the peptides have mu-opioid receptor
agonist activity (i.e., they activate the mu-opioid receptor).
Peptides, which have mu-opioid receptor agonist activity, are
typically those peptides, which have a tyrosine residue or a
tyrosine derivative at the N-terminus (i.e., the first amino acid
position). Suitable derivatives of tyrosine include
2'-methyltyrosine (Mmt); 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine (2'6'-Dmt);
3',5'-dimethyltyrosine (3'5'Dmt); N,2',6'-trimethyltyrosine (Tmt);
and 2'-hydroxy-6'-methyltryosine (Hmt).
[0058] In one embodiment, a peptide that has mu-opioid receptor
agonist activity has the formula Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2.
Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2 has a net positive charge of three,
contributed by the amino acids tyrosine, arginine, and lysine and
has two aromatic groups contributed by the amino acids
phenylalanine and tyrosine. The tyrosine of
Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2 can be a modified derivative of tyrosine
such as in 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine to produce the compound having
the formula 2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2.
2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2 has a molecular weight of 640 and
carries a net three positive charge at physiological pH.
2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2 readily penetrates the plasma
membrane of several mammalian cell types in an energy-independent
manner (Zhao et al., J. Pharmacol Exp Ther., 304:425-432,
2003).
[0059] Alternatively, in other instances, the aromatic-cationic
peptide does not have mu-opioid receptor agonist activity. For
example, during long-term treatment, such as in a chronic disease
state or condition, the use of an aromatic-cationic peptide that
activates the mu-opioid receptor may be contraindicated. In these
instances, the potentially adverse or addictive effects of the
aromatic-cationic peptide may preclude the use of an
aromatic-cationic peptide that activates the mu-opioid receptor in
the treatment regimen of a human patient or other mammal. Potential
adverse effects may include sedation, constipation and respiratory
depression. In such instances an aromatic-cationic peptide that
does not activate the mu-opioid receptor may be an appropriate
treatment. Peptides that do not have mu-opioid receptor agonist
activity generally do not have a tyrosine residue or a derivative
of tyrosine at the N-terminus (i.e., amino acid position 1). The
amino acid at the N-terminus can be any naturally occurring or
non-naturally occurring amino acid other than tyrosine. In one
embodiment, the amino acid at the N-terminus is phenylalanine or
its derivative. Exemplary derivatives of phenylalanine include
2'-methylphenylalanine (Mmp), 2',6'-dimethylphenylalanine
(2',6'-Dmp), N,2',6'-trimethylphenylalanine (Tmp), and
2'-hydroxy-6'-methylphenylalanine (Hmp).
[0060] An example of an aromatic-cationic peptide that does not
have mu-opioid receptor agonist activity has the formula
Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2. Alternatively, the N-terminal
phenylalanine can be a derivative of phenylalanine such as
2',6'-dimethylphenylalanine (2'6'-Dmp). Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2
containing 2',6'-dimethylphenylalanine at amino acid position 1 has
the formula 2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2. In one embodiment,
the amino acid sequence of 2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2 is
rearranged such that Dmt is not at the N-terminus. An example of
such an aromatic-cationic peptide that does not have mu-opioid
receptor agonist activity has the formula
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2.
[0061] Suitable substitution variants of the peptides listed herein
include conservative amino acid substitutions. Amino acids may be
grouped according to their physicochemical characteristics as
follows:
[0062] (a) Non-polar amino acids: Ala(A) Ser(S) Thr(T) Pro(P)
Gly(G) Cys (C);
[0063] (b) Acidic amino acids: Asn(N) Asp(D) Glu(E) Gln(Q);
[0064] (c) Basic amino acids: His(H) Arg(R) Lys(K);
[0065] (d) Hydrophobic amino acids: Met(M) Leu(L) Ile(I) Val(V);
and
[0066] (e) Aromatic amino acids: Phe(F) Tyr(Y) Trp(W) His (H).
[0067] Substitutions of an amino acid in a peptide by another amino
acid in the same group is referred to as a conservative
substitution and may preserve the physicochemical characteristics
of the original peptide. In contrast, substitutions of an amino
acid in a peptide by another amino acid in a different group is
generally more likely to alter the characteristics of the original
peptide.
[0068] Examples of peptides that activate mu-opioid receptors
include, but are not limited to, the aromatic-cationic peptides
shown in Table 5.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Peptide Analogs with Mu-Opioid Activity
Amino Amino Amino Amino Acid Acid Acid Acid C-Terminal Position 1
Position 2 Position 3 Position 4 Modification Tyr D-Arg Phe Lys
NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Arg Phe Orn NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Arg Phe Dab NH.sub.2 Tyr
D-Arg Phe Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg
Phe Lys-NH(CH.sub.2).sub.2--NH-dns NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe
Lys-NH(CH.sub.2).sub.2--NH-atn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe dnsLys
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Cit Phe Lys NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Cit Phe Ahp
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Orn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Dab
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe
Ahp(2-aminoheptanoic acid) NH.sub.2 Bio-2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Lys
NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg Phe Orn
NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg Phe Dab NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg Phe Dap
NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Arg Tyr Lys NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Arg Tyr Orn NH.sub.2 Tyr
D-Arg Tyr Dab NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Arg Tyr Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Tyr
Lys NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Tyr Orn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Tyr Dab
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Tyr Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg 2'6'Dmt Lys
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg 2'6'Dmt Orn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg 2'6'Dmt
Dab NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg 2'6'Dmt Dap NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg
3'5'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg 3'5'Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt
D-Arg 3'5'Dmt Orn NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg 3'5'Dmt Dab NH.sub.2 Tyr
D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Phe Lys
NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Phe Orn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Phe Dab NH.sub.2
2'6'Dmt D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2
2'6'Dmt D-Lys Phe Lys NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Lys Phe Orn NH.sub.2
3'5'Dmt D-Lys Phe Dab NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2
3'5'Dmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Tyr Lys NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys
Tyr Orn NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Tyr Dab NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Tyr Dap
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Tyr Lys NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Tyr Orn
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Tyr Dab NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Tyr Dap
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys 2'6'Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys 2'6'Dmt
Orn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys 2'6'Dmt Dab NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys
2'6'Dmt Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe dnsDap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt
D-Arg Phe atnDap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys 3'5'Dmt Lys NH.sub.2
2'6'Dmt D-Lys 3'5'Dmt Orn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys 3'5'Dmt Dab
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys 3'5'Dmt Dap NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Phe Arg
NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Orn Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Dab Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr
D-Dap Phe Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys
Phe Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Orn Phe Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Dab Phe
Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Dap Phe Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg Phe Arg
NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Orn Phe Arg
NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Tyr Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Orn Tyr Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr
D-Dab Tyr Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Dap Tyr Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg
2'6'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys 2'6'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt
D-Orn 2'6'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Dab 2'6'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2
3'5'Dmt D-Dap 3'5'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg 3'5'Dmt Arg
NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Lys 3'5'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Orn 3'5'Dmt
Arg NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Arg Phe Orn NH.sub.2
Mmt D-Arg Phe Dab NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Arg Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Arg Phe
Lys NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Arg Phe Orn NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Arg Phe Dab NH.sub.2
Tmt D-Arg Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Arg Phe
Orn NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Arg Phe Dab NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Arg Phe Dap NH.sub.2
Mmt D-Lys Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Lys Phe Orn NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Lys Phe
Dab NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Tmt D-Lys Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Lys Phe Orn NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Lys Phe
Dab NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Hmt D-Lys Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Lys Phe Orn NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Lys Phe
Dab NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Mmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Orn Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Dab Phe
Arg NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Dap Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Arg Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Tmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Orn Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Dab Phe
Arg NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Dap Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Arg Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Hmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Orn Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Dab Phe
Arg NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Dap Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Arg Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Dab = diaminobutyric Dap = diaminopropionic acid Dmt =
dimethyltyrosine Mmt = 2'-methyltyrosine Tmt =
N,2',6'-trimethyltyrosine Hmt = 2'-hydroxy,6'-methyltyrosine dnsDap
= .beta.-dansyl-L-.alpha.,.beta.-diaminopropionic acid atnDap =
.beta.-anthraniloyl-L-.alpha.,.beta.-diaminopropionic acid Bio =
biotin
[0069] Examples of peptides that do not activate mu-opioid
receptors include, but are not limited to, the aromatic-cationic
peptides shown in Table 6.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6 Peptide Analogs Lacking Mu-Opioid Activity
Amino Amino Amino Amino Acid Acid Acid Acid C-Terminal Position 1
Position 2 Position 3 Position 4 Modification D-Arg Dmt Lys Phe
NH.sub.2 D-Arg Dmt Phe Lys NH.sub.2 D-Arg Phe Lys Dmt NH.sub.2
D-Arg Phe Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 D-Arg Lys Dmt Phe NH.sub.2 D-Arg Lys Phe
Dmt NH.sub.2 Phe Lys Dmt D-Arg NH.sub.2 Phe Lys D-Arg Dmt NH.sub.2
Phe D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Phe D-Arg Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 Phe D-Arg Lys
Dmt NH.sub.2 Phe Dmt D-Arg Lys NH.sub.2 Phe Dmt Lys D-Arg NH.sub.2
Lys Phe D-Arg Dmt NH.sub.2 Lys Phe Dmt D-Arg NH.sub.2 Lys Dmt D-Arg
Phe NH.sub.2 Lys Dmt Phe D-Arg NH.sub.2 Lys D-Arg Phe Dmt NH.sub.2
Lys D-Arg Dmt Phe NH.sub.2 D-Arg Dmt D-Arg Phe NH.sub.2 D-Arg Dmt
D-Arg Dmt NH.sub.2 D-Arg Dmt D-Arg Tyr NH.sub.2 D-Arg Dmt D-Arg Trp
NH.sub.2 Trp D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Trp D-Arg Tyr Lys NH.sub.2 Trp
D-Arg Trp Lys NH.sub.2 Trp D-Arg Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 D-Arg Trp Lys Phe
NH.sub.2 D-Arg Trp Phe Lys NH.sub.2 D-Arg Trp Lys Dmt NH.sub.2
D-Arg Trp Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 D-Arg Lys Trp Phe NH.sub.2 D-Arg Lys Trp
Dmt NH.sub.2 Cha D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Ala D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2
Cha = cyclohexyl alanine
[0070] The amino acids of the peptides shown in the tables above
may be in either the L- or the D-configuration.
[0071] The peptides may be synthesized by any of the methods well
known in the art. Suitable methods for chemically synthesizing the
protein include, for example, those described by Stuart and Young
in Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, Second Edition, Pierce Chemical
Company (1984), and in Methods Enzymol., 289, Academic Press, Inc.,
New York (1997).
Left Ventricular Remodeling
[0072] Following myocardial infarction there is a dynamic and
progressive LV remodeling that contributes to LV dilation, heart
failure, and death. Within the first week of a myocardial
infarction (MI) the necrotic zone thins and stretches (infarct
expansion) contributing to regional dilation of the infarct zone.
This phenomenon increases LV wall stress, thus, increasing oxygen
demand. To help compensate for the loss of myocardium and reduced
stroke volume, the LV develops global dilation and the
non-infarcted wall of the LV develops eccentric hypertrophy whereby
sarcomeres are added on in a circumferential or lengthwise fashion.
As the ventricle dilates this process initially helps to compensate
for reduced stroke volume, but eventually progressive dilatation
and hypertrophy lead to congestive heart failure. One of the
strongest predictors of death one year post MI is the volume of the
left ventricle. The more dilated the left ventricle, the greater
the chance of death. Structural and functional abnormalities of the
non-infarcted myocardium and myocardium in the infarct border zone
may contribute to the LV remodeling phenomenon. Abnormalities in
myocardium cell structure can lead to reduced function of the
muscles needed to support the weakened heart. In some embodiments,
the aromatic-cationic peptide is administered to the subject,
chronically, post myocardial infarction.
[0073] The compositions and methods disclosed herein are not
intended to be limited by the cause of myocardial infarction and/or
LV remodeling. By way of example, but not by way of limitation,
myocardial infarction may result from hypertension; ischemic heart
disease; exposure to a cardiotoxic compound; myocarditis; thyroid
disease; viral infection; gingivitis; drug abuse; alcohol abuse;
pericarditis; atherosclerosis; vascular disease; hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy; acute myocardial infarction; left ventricular
systolic dysfunction; heart failure; coronary bypass surgery;
starvation; an eating disorder; or a genetic defect.
Stabilization of SERCA2a
[0074] As discussed above, the non-infarct myocardium around the
infarct, i.e., border zone cells, change their structure to
compensate for reduced stroke volume. Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum
Ca.sup.2+-ATPase (SERCA) is a calcium ATPase-type P-ATPase. SERCA
is located in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) within muscle cells.
Ca.sup.2+ ATPases transfer Ca.sup.2+ from the cytosol of the cell
to the lumen of the SR at the expense of ATP hydrolysis during
muscle relaxation. There are three major paralogs of SERCA: SERCA1,
SERCA2, and SERCA3.
[0075] During heart failure, the Ca.sup.2+ transport in ventricular
myocytes is altered, which causes an impaired efflux of cytosolic
Ca.sup.2+. Decreased expression and activity of SERCA2a is
recognized as a hallmark of heart failure (Schwartz, R. and Yeh, T.
"Weighing in on Heart Failure: The Role of SERCA2a SUMOylation."
Nature. 477: 601-605 (2011)). Additionally, decreased expression of
SERCA2a is seen after myocardial infarction (Zarain-Herzberg et al.
"Decreased expression of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-pump
ATPase in congestive heart failure due to myocardial infarction."
Dev. Mol. and Cell. Bio. 19: 285-290 (1996)). Current studies are
directed at raising SERCA2a expression to protect against heart
failure and left ventricular remodeling (Niwano et al. "Lentiviral
Vector-mediated SERCA2 Gene Transfer Protects Against Heart Failure
and Left Ventricular Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction in
Rats." Molecular Therapy. 16(6): 1026-1032 (2008)). Restoration of
SERCA 2a in the border zone cells of an infarct will improve the
function of the heart at that border zone (regional improvement in
function). Additionally, restoration of SERCA2a in the border zone
cells will prevent the stretching and thinning of the myocardial
infarction (e.g., provide for improved regions function), and will
also prevent or reduce left ventricular remodeling and improve
global left ventricular function.
[0076] In some embodiments, treatment with an aromatic-cationic
peptide, such as, e.g., D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, increases
SERCA2a expression in a subject in need thereof. In some
embodiments, the increase of SERCA2a expression results in a
decrease in LV remodeling and improves LV function.
Improvement in Cardiac Function
[0077] In some embodiments, the stabilization (increase) of SERCA2a
expression through treatment with an aromatic-cationic peptide,
such as, e.g., D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, improves the
cardiac function of the left ventricle after myocardial infarction.
Improvement of LV function includes, but is not limited to, reduced
LV volume, improved LV fractional shortening, improved LV ejection
fraction, reduced infarct expansion, improved hemodynamics, and
reduced lung volumes. In some embodiments, administration of an
aromatic-cationic peptide, such as, e.g.,
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, results in an increase in SERCA2a
expression, and results in a reduced risk of death and/or heart
failure in a subject at risk.
[0078] In some embodiments, stabilization of SERCA2a expression
through treatment with an aromatic-catoinic peptide, such as
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, reduces scarring in the left
ventricle post infarction. Reduction in scarring includes, but is
not limited to, reduced scar circumference, reduced scar thickness,
reduced septum thickness, and a reduced expansion index (which is
expressed as: LV cavity area/total LV area.times.septum
thickness/scar thickness).
Prophylactic and Therapeutic Uses of Aromatic-Cationic
Peptides.
[0079] General.
[0080] The aromatic-cationic peptides described herein are useful
to prevent or treat disease. Specifically, the disclosure provides
for both prophylactic and therapeutic methods of treating a subject
having or at risk of (susceptible to) LV remodeling by
administering an aromatic-cationic peptide such as an
aromatic-cationic peptide, such as D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such as acetate or
trifluoroacetate salt. Typically, LV remodeling causes an increase
in LV end diastolic volume and LV end systolic volume. Usually,
stroke volume may initially be preserved but eventually, once heart
failure occurs, it is actually reduced (i.e., less blood flows out
of the ventricle with each beat). Accordingly, the present methods
provide for the prevention and/or treatment of LV remodeling in a
subject by administering an effective amount of an
aromatic-cationic peptide to a subject in need thereof.
[0081] Therapeutic Methods.
[0082] In therapeutic applications, compositions or medicaments are
administered including an aromatic-cationic peptide such as
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, such as acetate or trifluoroacetate salt, to a
subject suspected of, or already suffering from such a disease in
an amount sufficient to cure, or at least partially arrest, the
symptoms of the disease, including its complications and
intermediate pathological phenotypes in development of the disease.
One aspect of the technology includes methods of stabilizing (e.g.,
increase) SERCA2a expression (e.g., RNA and/or protein) in a
subject for therapeutic purposes. In some embodiments, the
therapeutic purpose is to treat LV remodeling. As such, the present
technology provides methods of treating an individual afflicted
with LV remodeling.
[0083] Subjects suffering from LV remodeling can be identified by
any or a combination of diagnostic or prognostic assays known in
the art. For example, typical symptoms of LV remodeling include
reduced LV stroke volume, reduced LV ejection fraction, poor
fractional shortening, increased infarct expansion, increased LV
end diastolic and systolic volume, poor hemodynamics, increased
scar formation in LV myocardium, and increased lung volumes.
Symptoms of LV remodeling also include symptoms associated with
heart failure such as, e.g., shortness of breath, fatigue, and
swelling of the extremities. In some embodiments, a
"therapeutically effective amount" of the aromatic-cationic peptide
thereof, includes levels in which the physiological effects of
decreased expression of SERCA2a, at a minimum, ameliorated.
Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, a
therapeutically effective amount of the aromatic-cationic peptides
includes levels in which the physiological effects of LV remodeling
are, at a minimum, ameliorated.
[0084] Prophylactic Methods.
[0085] In one aspect, the technology provides a method for
preventing, in a subject, decreased SERCA2a expression (e.g., RNA
and/or protein) by administering to the subject an effective amount
of aromatic-cationic peptide, e.g.,
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof such as acetate or trifluoroacetate salt, that
prevents decreased SERCA2a expression during or after myocardial
infarction. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments,
administration of the aromatic-cationic peptide prevents or reduces
LV remodeling. In prophylactic applications, pharmaceutical
compositions or medicaments of aromatic-cationic peptides are
administered to a subject susceptible to, or otherwise at risk of a
disease or condition in an amount sufficient to eliminate or reduce
the risk, lessen the severity, or delay the outset of the disease,
including biochemical, histologic and/or behavioral symptoms of the
disease, its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes
presenting during development of the disease. Administration of a
prophylactic aromatic-cationic can occur prior to the manifestation
of symptoms characteristic of the aberrancy, such that a disease or
disorder is prevented or, alternatively, delayed in its
progression.
[0086] Determination of the Biological Effect of the
Aromatic-Cationic Peptide-Based Therapeutic.
[0087] In various embodiments, suitable in vitro or in vivo assays
are performed to determine the effect of a specific
aromatic-cationic peptide-based therapeutic and whether its
administration is indicated for treatment. In various embodiments,
in vitro assays can be performed with representative animal models,
to determine if a given aromatic-cationic peptide-based therapeutic
exerts the desired effect in preventing or treating heart failure.
Compounds for use in therapy can be tested in suitable animal model
systems including, but not limited to rats, mice, chicken, cows,
monkeys, rabbits, and the like, prior to testing in human subjects.
Similarly, for in vivo testing, any of the animal model system
known in the art can be used prior to administration to human
subjects.
Modes of Administration and Effective Dosages
[0088] Any method known to those in the art for contacting a cell,
organ or tissue with a peptide may be employed. Suitable methods
include in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo methods. In vivo methods
typically include the administration of an aromatic-cationic
peptide, such as those described above, to a mammal, suitably a
human. When used in vivo for therapy, the aromatic-cationic
peptides are administered to the subject in effective amounts
(i.e., amounts that have desired therapeutic effect). The dose and
dosage regimen will depend upon the degree of the infection in the
subject, the characteristics of the particular aromatic-cationic
peptide used, e.g., its therapeutic index, the subject, and the
subject's history.
[0089] The effective amount may be determined during pre-clinical
trials and clinical trials by methods familiar to physicians and
clinicians. An effective amount of a peptide useful in the methods
may be administered to a mammal in need thereof by any of a number
of well-known methods for administering pharmaceutical compounds.
The peptide may be administered systemically or locally.
[0090] In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide may be
formulated as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. Salts derived
from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic bases include ammonium,
calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic,
manganous, potassium, sodium, and zinc salts, and the like. Salts
derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic bases include
salts of primary, secondary and tertiary amines, including
substituted amines, cyclic amines, naturally-occurring amines and
the like, such as arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline,
N,N'-dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol,
2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine,
N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine,
histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine,
morpholine, piperazine, piperadine, polyamine resins, procaine,
purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine,
tripropylamine, tromethamine and the like. Salts derived from
pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic acids include salts of boric,
carbonic, hydrohalic (hydrobromic, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric or
hydroiodic), nitric, phosphoric, sulfamic and sulfuric acids. Salts
derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic acids include
salts of aliphatic hydroxyl acids (e.g., citric, gluconic,
glycolic, lactic, lactobionic, malic, and tartaric acids),
aliphatic monocarboxylic acids (e.g., acetic, butyric, formic,
propionic and trifluoroacetic acids), amino acids (e.g., aspartic
and glutamic acids), aromatic carboxylic acids (e.g., benzoic,
p-chlorobenzoic, diphenylacetic, gentisic, hippuric, and
triphenylacetic acids), aromatic hydroxyl acids (e.g.,
o-hydroxybenzoic, p-hydroxybenzoic,
1-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic and
3-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acids), ascorbic, dicarboxylic
acids (e.g., fumaric, maleic, oxalic and succinic acids),
glucuronic, mandelic, mucic, nicotinic, orotic, pamoic,
pantothenic, sulfonic acids (e.g., benzenesulfonic, camphosulfonic,
edisylic, ethanesulfonic, isethionic, methanesulfonic,
naphthalenesulfonic, naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic,
naphthalene-2,6-disulfonic and p-toluenesulfonic acids), xinafoic
acid, and the like. In some embodiments, the salt is an acetate or
trifluoroacetate salt.
[0091] The aromatic-cationic peptides described herein can be
incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions for administration,
singly or in combination, to a subject for the treatment or
prevention of a disorder described herein. Such compositions
typically include the active agent and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier. Supplementary active compounds can also be
incorporated into the compositions.
[0092] Pharmaceutical compositions are typically formulated to be
compatible with its intended route of administration. Examples of
routes of administration include parenteral (e.g., intravenous,
intradermal, intraperitoneal or subcutaneous), oral, inhalation,
transdermal (topical), intraocular, iontophoretic, and transmucosal
administration. Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral,
intradermal, or subcutaneous application can include the following
components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline
solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene
glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as
benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic
acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates
or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as
sodium chloride or dextrose. pH can be adjusted with acids or
bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. The
parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable
syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic. For
convenience of the patient or treating physician, the dosing
formulation can be provided in a kit containing all necessary
equipment (e.g., vials of drug, vials of diluent, syringes and
needles) for a treatment course (e.g., 7 days of treatment).
[0093] Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for injectable use can
include sterile aqueous solutions (where water-soluble) or
dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation
of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion. For intravenous
administration, suitable carriers include physiological saline,
bacteriostatic water, Cremophor EL.TM. (BASF, Parsippany, N.J.) or
phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In all cases, a composition for
parenteral administration must be sterile and should be fluid to
the extent that easy syringability exists. It should be stable
under the conditions of manufacture and storage and must be
preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms such
as bacteria and fungi.
[0094] The aromatic-cationic peptide compositions can include a
carrier, which can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing,
for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol,
propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like),
and suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be
maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin,
by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of
dispersion and by the use of surfactants. Prevention of the action
of microorganisms can be achieved by various antibacterial and
antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol,
ascorbic acid, thiomerasol, and the like. Glutathione and other
antioxidants can be included to prevent oxidation. In many cases,
it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example,
sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, or sodium chloride
in the composition. Prolonged absorption of the injectable
compositions can be brought about by including in the composition
an agent that delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate
or gelatin.
[0095] Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by
incorporating the active compound in the required amount in an
appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients
enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active
compound into a sterile vehicle, which contains a basic dispersion
medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated
above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of
sterile injectable solutions, typical methods of preparation
include vacuum drying and freeze drying, which can yield a powder
of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient
from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.
[0096] Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an
edible carrier. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration,
the active compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in
the form of tablets, troches, or capsules, e.g., gelatin capsules.
Oral compositions can also be prepared using a fluid carrier for
use as a mouthwash. Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents,
and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the
composition. The tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can
contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar
nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth
or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a
disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn
starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a
glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such
as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint,
methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring.
[0097] For administration by inhalation, the compounds can be
delivered in the form of an aerosol spray from a pressurized
container or dispenser, which contains a suitable propellant, e.g.,
a gas such as carbon dioxide, or a nebulizer. Such methods include
those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,798.
[0098] Systemic administration of a therapeutic compound as
described herein can also be by transmucosal or transdermal means.
For transmucosal or transdermal administration, penetrants
appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the
formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art, and
include, for example, for transmucosal administration, detergents,
bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives. Transmucosal
administration can be accomplished through the use of nasal sprays.
For transdermal administration, the active compounds are formulated
into ointments, salves, gels, or creams as generally known in the
art. In one embodiment, transdermal administration may be performed
my iontophoresis.
[0099] A therapeutic aromatic-cationic protein or aromatic-cationic
peptide can be formulated in a carrier system. The carrier can be a
colloidal system. The colloidal system can be a liposome, a
phospholipid bilayer vehicle. In one embodiment, the therapeutic
peptide is encapsulated in a liposome while maintaining peptide
integrity. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, there are a
variety of methods to prepare liposomes. See Lichtenberg et al.,
Methods Biochem. Anal., 33:337-462 (1988); Anselem et al., Liposome
Technology, CRC Press (1993). Liposomal formulations can delay
clearance and increase cellular uptake. See Reddy, Ann.
Pharmacother., 34(7-8):915-923 (2000). An active agent can also be
loaded into a particle prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable
ingredients including, but not limited to, soluble, insoluble,
permeable, impermeable, biodegradable or gastroretentive polymers
or liposomes. Such particles include, but are not limited to, e.g.,
nanoparticles, biodegradable nanoparticles, microparticles,
biodegradable microparticles, nanospheres, biodegradable
nanospheres, microspheres, biodegradable microspheres, capsules,
emulsions, liposomes, micelles, and viral vector systems.
[0100] The carrier can also be a polymer, e.g., a biodegradable,
biocompatible polymer matrix. In one embodiment, the therapeutic
peptide can be embedded in the polymer matrix, while maintaining
protein integrity. The polymer may be natural, such as
polypeptides, proteins or polysaccharides, or synthetic, such as
poly .alpha.-hydroxy acids. Examples include carriers made of,
e.g., collagen, fibronectin, elastin, cellulose acetate, cellulose
nitrate, polysaccharide, fibrin, gelatin, and combinations thereof.
In one embodiment, the polymer is poly-lactic acid (PLA) or copoly
lactic/glycolic acid (PGLA). The polymeric matrices can be prepared
and isolated in a variety of forms and sizes, including
microspheres and nanospheres. Polymer formulations can lead to
prolonged duration of therapeutic effect. (See Reddy, Ann.
Pharmacother., 34(7-8):915-923 (2000)). A polymer formulation for
human growth hormone (hGH) has been used in clinical trials. See
Kozarich and Rich, Chemical Biology, 2:548-552 (1998).
[0101] Examples of polymer microsphere sustained release
formulations are described in PCT publication WO 99/15154 (Tracy et
al.), U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,674,534 and 5,716,644 (both to Zale et al.),
PCT publication WO 96/40073 (Zale et al.), and PCT publication WO
00/38651 (Shah et al.). U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,674,534 and 5,716,644 and
PCT publication WO 96/40073 describe a polymeric matrix containing
particles of erythropoietin that are stabilized against aggregation
with a salt.
[0102] In some embodiments, therapeutic aromatic-cationic compounds
are prepared with carriers that will protect the therapeutic
compounds against rapid elimination from the body, such as a
controlled release formulation, including implants and
microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible
polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate,
polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and
polylactic acid. Such formulations can be prepared using known
techniques. The carrier materials can be obtained commercially,
e.g., from Alza Corporation and Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes targeted to specific
cells with monoclonal antibodies to cell-specific antigens) can
also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be
prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art,
for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,811.
[0103] The therapeutic compounds can also be formulated to enhance
intracellular delivery. For example, liposomal delivery systems are
known in the art, see, e.g., Chonn and Cullis, "Recent Advances in
Liposome Drug Delivery Systems," Current Opinion in Biotechnology
6:698-708 (1995); Weiner, "Liposomes for Protein Delivery:
Selecting Manufacture and Development Processes," Immunomethods,
4(3):201-9 (1994); and Gregoriadis, "Engineering Liposomes for Drug
Delivery: Progress and Problems," Trends Biotechnol., 13(12):527-37
(1995). Mizguchi et al., Cancer Lett., 100:63-69 (1996), describes
the use of fusogenic liposomes to deliver a protein to cells both
in vivo and in vitro.
[0104] Dosage, toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the therapeutic
agents can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in
cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the
LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED50 (the
dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population). The dose
ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic
index and it can be expressed as the ratio LD50/ED50. Compounds,
which exhibit high therapeutic indices, are preferred. While
compounds that exhibit toxic side effects may be used, care should
be taken to design a delivery system that targets such compounds to
the site of affected tissue in order to minimize potential damage
to uninfected cells and, thereby, reduce side effects.
[0105] The data obtained from the cell culture assays and animal
studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in
humans. The dosage of such compounds lies preferably within a range
of circulating concentrations that include the ED50 with little or
no toxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending upon
the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized.
For any compound used in the methods, the therapeutically effective
dose can be estimated initially from cell culture assays. A dose
can be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating plasma
concentration range that includes the IC50 (i.e., the concentration
of the test compound which achieves a half-maximal inhibition of
symptoms) as determined in cell culture. Such information can be
used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans. Levels in
plasma may be measured, for example, by high performance liquid
chromatography.
[0106] Typically, an effective amount of the aromatic-cationic
peptides, sufficient for achieving a therapeutic or prophylactic
effect, range from about 0.000001 mg per kilogram body weight per
day to about 10,000 mg per kilogram body weight per day. Suitably,
the dosage ranges are from about 0.0001 mg per kilogram body weight
per day to about 100 mg per kilogram body weight per day. For
example dosages can be 1 mg/kg body weight or 10 mg/kg body weight
every day, every two days or every three days or within the range
of 1-10 mg/kg every week, every two weeks or every three weeks. In
one embodiment, a single dosage of peptide ranges from 0.001-10,000
micrograms per kg body weight. In one embodiment, aromatic-cationic
peptide concentrations in a carrier range from 0.2 to 2000
micrograms per delivered milliliter. An exemplary treatment regime
entails administration once per day or once a week. In therapeutic
applications, a relatively high dosage at relatively short
intervals is sometimes required until progression of the disease is
reduced or terminated, and preferably until the subject shows
partial or complete amelioration of symptoms of disease.
Thereafter, the patient can be administered a prophylactic
regime.
[0107] In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of
an aromatic-cationic peptide may be defined as a concentration of
peptide at the target tissue of 10.sup.-12 to 10.sup.-6 molar,
e.g., approximately 10.sup.-7 molar. This concentration may be
delivered by systemic doses of 0.001 to 100 mg/kg or equivalent
dose by body surface area. The schedule of doses would be optimized
to maintain the therapeutic concentration at the target tissue,
most preferably by single daily or weekly administration, but also
including continuous administration (e.g., parenteral infusion or
transdermal application).
[0108] The skilled artisan will appreciate that certain factors may
influence the dosage and timing required to effectively treat a
subject, including but not limited to, the severity of the disease
or disorder, previous treatments, the general health and/or age of
the subject, and other diseases present. Moreover, treatment of a
subject with a therapeutically effective amount of the therapeutic
compositions described herein can include a single treatment or a
series of treatments.
[0109] The mammal treated in accordance present methods can be any
mammal, including, for example, farm animals, such as sheep, pigs,
cows, and horses; pet animals, such as dogs and cats; laboratory
animals, such as rats, mice and rabbits. In a preferred embodiment,
the mammal is a human.
Combination Therapy with an Aromatic-Cationic Peptide and Other
Therapeutic Agents
[0110] In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptides such as
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, such as acetate or trifluoroacetate salt, may be
combined with one or more additional agents for the prevention or
treatment of heart failure and myocardial infarction. Drug
treatment for heart failure typically involves diuretics, ACE
inhibitors, digoxin (also called digitalis), calcium channel
blockers, and beta-blockers. In mild cases, thiazide diuretics,
such as hydrochlorothiazide at 25-50 mg/day or chlorothiazide at
250-500 mg/day, are useful. However, supplemental potassium
chloride may be needed, since chronic diuresis causes hypokalemis
alkalosis. Moreover, thiazide diuretics usually are not effective
in patients with advanced symptoms of heart failure. Typical doses
of ACE inhibitors include captopril at 25-50 mg/day and quinapril
at 10 mg/day.
[0111] In some embodiments, an aromatic-cationic peptide such as
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof, such as acetate or trifluoroacetate salt is combined with
an adrenergic beta-2 agonist. An "adrenergic beta-2 agonist" refers
to adrenergic beta-2 agonists and analogues and derivatives
thereof, including, for example, natural or synthetic functional
variants, which have adrenergic beta-2 agonist biological activity,
as well as fragments of an adrenergic beta-2 agonist having
adrenergic beta-2 agonist biological activity. The term "adrenergic
beta-2 agonist biological activity" refers to activity that mimics
the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline in a subject and which
improves myocardial contractility in a patient having heart
failure. Commonly known adrenergic beta-2 agonists include, but are
not limited to, clenbuterol, albuterol, formeoterol, levalbuterol,
metaproterenol, pirbuterol, salmeterol, and terbutaline.
[0112] In some embodiments, an aromatic-cationic peptide such as
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, such as acetate or trifluoroacetate salt, is combined
with an adrenergic beta-1 antagonist. Adrenergic beta-1 antagonists
and adrenergic beta-1 blockers refer to adrenergic beta-1
antagonists and analogues and derivatives thereof, including, for
example, natural or synthetic functional variants which have
adrenergic beta-1 antagonist biological activity, as well as
fragments of an adrenergic beta-1 antagonist having adrenergic
beta-1 antagonist biological activity. Adrenergic beta-1 antagonist
biological activity refers to activity that blocks the effects of
adrenaline on beta-receptors. Commonly known adrenergic beta-1
antagonists include, but are not limited to, acebutolol, atenolol,
betaxolol, bisoprolol, esmolol, and metoprolol.
[0113] Clenbuterol, for example, is available under numerous brand
names including Spiropent.RTM. (Boehinger Ingelheim),
Broncodil.RTM. (Von Boch I), Broncoterol.RTM. (Quimedical PT),
Cesbron.RTM. (Fidelis PT), and Clenbuter.RTM. (Biomedica Foscama).
Similarly, methods of preparing adrenergic beta-1 antagonists such
as metoprolol and their analogues and derivatives are well-known in
the art. Metoprolol, in particular, is commercially available under
the brand names Lopressor.RTM. (metoprolol tartate) manufactured by
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, One Health Plaza, East
Hanover, N.J. 07936-1080. Generic versions of Lopressor.RTM. are
also available from Mylan Laboratories Inc., 1500 Corporate Drive,
Suite 400, Canonsburg, Pa. 15317; and Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
360 Mt. Kemble Ave. Morristown, N.J. 07962. Metoprolol is also
commercially available under the brand name Toprol XL.RTM.,
manufactured by Astra Zeneca, LP.
[0114] In some embodiments, an additional therapeutic agent is
administered to a subject in combination with an aromatic cationic
peptide, such that a synergistic therapeutic effect is produced.
Therefore, lower doses of one or both of the therapeutic agents may
be used in treating LV remodeling, resulting in increased
therapeutic efficacy and decreased side-effects.
[0115] In any case, the multiple therapeutic agents may be
administered in any order or even simultaneously. If
simultaneously, the multiple therapeutic agents may be provided in
a single, unified form, or in multiple forms (by way of example
only, either as a single pill or as two separate pills). One of the
therapeutic agents may be given in multiple doses, or both may be
given as multiple doses. If not simultaneous, the timing between
the multiple doses may vary from more than zero weeks to less than
four weeks. In addition, the combination methods, compositions and
formulations are not to be limited to the use of only two
agents.
EXAMPLES
Example 1: D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 Administered
Post-Myocardial Infarction Increases SERCA2a Expression
[0116] The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 on SERCA2a expression
post-myocardial infarction.
Methods
[0117] Rats were anesthetized, ventilated, and a thoracotomy
performed in the left 4.sup.th intercostal space. Temperature was
maintained at 36.degree. C. by placing the rats on a heating pad
during the procedure. The pericardium was excised and the proximal
left coronary artery isolated and permanently occluded with a
suture. Coronary artery occlusion was confirmed by cyanosis and
akinesis of the anterior wall of the ventricle. The chest was
closed, air evacuated, and the rats allowed to recover. Analgesia
was administered per the veterinarian. An echocardiogram was
obtained at approximately 15 minutes post coronary artery
occlusion. At 2 hours rats were randomized to receive chronic daily
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 (delivered subcutaneously by an
Alzet Osmotic Pump--3 mg/kg/day, n=7), water (n=7), sham operation
(normal non-infarct hearts, n=7). The Osmotic Pump delivered
approximately 0.15 .mu.l/hr for 6 weeks (model 2006; 200 .mu.l).
The Alzat pump was implanted subcutaneously between the shoulder
blades while the rat was still anesthetized.
[0118] After 6 weeks, heart samples were collected from shams,
border zone cells of water-treated infarcted hearts (MI/BZ) and
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2-treated hearts (MI/BZ+AP), and
remote noninfarcted area cells of water-treated hearts (MI/R) and
of D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2-treated hearts (MI/R+AP).
[0119] All data were normalized to .beta.-actin and presented
relative to the sham group.
Results
[0120] qRT-PCR analysis showed that SERCA2a expression was
decreased by 41% (p<0.05) in the MI/BZ group vs. sham. FIG. 1.
Treatment with D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 restored SERCA2a
expression to near normal levels in the MI/BZ+AP group. FIG. 1.
There were no significant differences in the nonischemic remote
area (MI/R).
[0121] These results show that aromatic-cationic peptides of the
present technology, such as D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such as acetate or
trifluoroacetate salt, are useful in the prevention and treatment
of diseases and conditions associated with aberrant SERCA2a gene
expression and/or levels. These results show that aromatic-cationic
peptides of the present technology, such as
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, such as acetate or trifluoroacetate salt, are useful
in increasing SERCA2a gene expression levels and/or protein levels,
and for treating or ameliorating the signs and symptoms of left
ventricular remodeling.
Example 2: D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 Administered
Post-Myocardial Infarction Improved LV Function
[0122] This study demonstrates that chronic therapy with
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, begun at 2 hours post induction of
heart failure by a transmural, non reperfused infarct in the rat,
can improve outcome. Since D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2
treatment started at two hours after permanent coronary occlusion,
any benefit would be independent of phenomena such as no-reflow
reduction. Two hours after coronary occlusion, all or nearly all
cells destined to die due to ischemic necrosis have died in the rat
model. This study measured the ability of
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 to reduce LV volumes, improve
fractional shortening and ejection fraction, reduce infarct
expansion, improve survival, improve hemodynamics, and reduce lung
volumes.
Methods
[0123] Rats were anesthetized, ventilated, and a thoracotomy
performed in the left 4.sup.th intercostal space. Temperature was
maintained at 36.degree. C. by placing the rats on a heating pad
during the procedure. The pericardium was excised and the proximal
left coronary artery isolated and permanently occluded with a
suture. Coronary artery occlusion was confirmed by cyanosis and
akinesis of the anterior wall of the ventricle. The chest was
closed, air evacuated, and the rats allowed to recover. Analgesia
was administered per the veterinarian. An echocardiogram was
obtained at approximately 15 minutes post coronary artery
occlusion. At 2 hours rats were randomized to receive chronic daily
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 (delivered subcutaneously by an
Alzet Osmotic Pump--3 mg/kg/day) or water. The Osmotic Pump
delivered approximately 0.15 .mu.l/hr for 6 weeks (model 2006; 200
.mu.l). The Alzat pump was implanted subcutaneously between the
shoulder blades while the rat was still anesthetized. After 6 weeks
the rats were re-anesthetized, weighed, and a second echocardiogram
was obtained under anesthesia. Cut downs were performed to isolate
the carotid artery and jugular vein. Heart rate and blood pressure
were measured. A Millar catheter was inserted into the left
ventricle and LV systolic pressure, LV end diastolic pressure,
+dP/dt, and -dP/dt were measured. A left ventriculogram was
performed using IV fluoroscopic contrast in order to determine LV
stroke volume and ejection fraction. Under deep anesthesia, the
heart was excised, weighed, and pressure fixed at 11 mmHg with
formalin. The lungs were also excised and weighed. Postmortem LV
volume was measured by filling the LV cavity with fluid and
measuring the total fluid. The hearts were sliced into four
transverse sections and histologic slides were prepared and stained
with hematoxylin and eosin and with picrosirius red, which stains
collagen. Quantitative histologic analysis included: total
circumference, scar circumference, non-infarcted wall
circumference, total LV area, total LV cavity area, LV wall
thickness (at several points), non-infarcted wall thickness;
myocardial infarct expansion index.
Statistical Analysis
[0124] All data is reported as means.+-.SEM. Values between groups
were compared by Student t-test. P is significant at p<0.05
level.
Results
[0125] A total of 83 rats were involved in this study. Nine rats
died within 2 hours after coronary occlusion (before treatment with
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH or water). Seventy-four rats were
randomized to receive D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or water, and
no rats died during the following 6 weeks treatment. Twenty rat
hearts (10 in each group) were harvested for assessment of gene
expression study. Fifty-four rats were used for assessment of
cardiac function and post-infarct remodeling study.
LV Fractional Shortening by Echocardiography
[0126] The left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) at
baseline before coronary occlusion was similar between the water
group (44.0.+-.1.3%) and D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 group
(44.5.+-.1.1%, p=0.78) (FIG. 2A). At 15 minutes after coronary
occlusion, LVFS remained similar between the 2 groups (42.7.+-.1.6
in water group and 45.+-.1.8 in D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2
group, p=0.36) (LVFS did not decreased at 15 minutes probably
because of hypercontractility in the non-ischemic myocardium) (FIG.
2B).
[0127] At 6 weeks after treatment, the LVFS fell versus baseline
but was significantly higher in the D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2
group (28.8.+-.1.7%) than in the water group (23.8.+-.1.8%,
p=0.047) (FIG. 2C).
LV Stroke Volume and Ejection Fraction by LV Ventriculography
[0128] At 6 weeks after treatment, there was significantly higher
LV stroke volume (0.257.+-.0.008 ml) in the
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2-treated group compared to the water
group (0.231.+-.0.008, p=0.029) (FIG. 3A). Additionally, there was
a significantly higher LV ejection fraction (55.3.+-.1.4%) in the
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2-treated group compared to the water
group (49.3.+-.1.4%, p=0.005) (FIG. 3B).
Hemodynamics
[0129] No significant differences were noted in heart rate,
systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups at 6
weeks after treatment (Table 7). The LV positive/negative dp/dt,
end systolic left ventricular pressure, end diastolic left
ventricular pressure; Tau (Weiss) and Tau (Glantz) were comparable
between the two groups (Table 8). There was a trend for lower
minimum left ventricular pressure in the
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 group (0.64.+-.0.55 mmHg) compared
to water group (2.23.+-.0.70 mmHg, p=0.082) (Table 8).
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 7 Heart rate and blood pressure at 6 weeks
after treatment Heart Systolic BP Diastolic BP Mean BP Group Rate
(mmHg) (mmHg) (mmHg) Water 219 .+-. 6 124 .+-. 5 90 .+-. 3 101 .+-.
4 (n = 26) D-Arg-2'6'- 209 .+-. 5 114 .+-. 4 85 .+-. 2 94 .+-. 3
Dmt-Lys- Phe-NH.sub.2 (n = 28) t-test 0.23 0.15 0.13 0.12
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 8 Left ventricle hemodynamics at 6 weeks after
treatment Tau Tau Group +dp/dt -dp/dt Pes Ped Pmin Weiss Glantz W
5766 .+-. 3934 .+-. 113 .+-. 7.82 .+-. 2.23 .+-. 15.2 .+-. 23.6
.+-. 0.8 268 184 5 1.08 0.70 0.4 P 5668 .+-. 3639 .+-. 105 .+-.
5.63 .+-. 0.64 .+-. 14.6 .+-. 24.6 .+-. 0.9 161 147 3 0.84 0.55 0.6
t-test 0.76 0.22 0.17 0.12 0.082 0.42 0.43 W = water (n = 26) P =
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 (n = 28) Post-mortem LV volumes
[0130] There was a significant lower post-mortem LV volume in the
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2-treated group compared to the water
group when the LV volume standardized by heart weight (0.72.+-.0.02
in D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 group vs 0.79.+-.0.08 in water
group; p=0.0019) (Table 9; FIG. 4).
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 9 Heart weight and post-mortem LV volume Heart
LV volume LV volume/heart Group weight (g) (ml) weight Water 0.712
.+-. 0.064 0.561 .+-. 0.065 0.79 .+-. 0.08 (n = 26) D-Arg-2'6'-
0.724 .+-. 0.011 0.519 .+-. 0.019 0.72 .+-. 0.02 Dmt-Lys-
Phe-NH.sub.2 (n = 28) t-test 0.588 0.177 0.019
Scar Circumference, Scar Thickness, and Expansion Index
[0131] At 6 weeks after treatment, histological analysis revealed
that the LV non-scar circumference was significantly longer in the
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 group (15.4.+-.0.4 mm) compared to
the water group (13.7.+-.0.0.6 mm, p=0.02) (FIG. 5A). Additionally,
the scar circumference was significantly smaller in the
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 group (9.9.+-.0.6 mm) compared to
the water group (12.1.+-.0.7%, p=0.025) (FIG. 5B). The data also
showed that the scar circumference, expressed as percentage of
total LV circumference, was significantly smaller in the
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 group (39.7.+-.2.2%) compared to
the water group (47.4.+-.0.03%, p=0.024) (Table 10; FIG. 5C). The
scar thickness, septum thickness and expansion index expressed as:
[LV cavity area/Total LV area.times.Septum thickness/Scar
thickness], were comparable between the two groups (Table 10).
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 10 Effects of D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2
on scarring Scar cir- Scar Septum cumference thickness thickness
Expansion Group (%) (mm) (mm) index Water 47.4 .+-. 0.03 0.519 .+-.
0.019 1.43 .+-. 0.05 1.75 .+-. 0.09 (n = 26) D-Arg-2'6'- 39.7 .+-.
2.2 0.504 .+-. 0.039 1.45 .+-. 0.03 1.67 .+-. 0.12 Dmt-Lys-
Phe-NH.sub.2 (n = 28) t-test 0.024 0.37 0.68 0.57
Lung Weights (a Measure of Fluid Overload)
[0132] The lung dry and wet weight was measured, and the ratio of
dry/wet was similar in the two groups.
[0133] The data demonstrated that chronic therapy with
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, begun at 2 hours post induction of
myocardial infarction by ligation left coronary artery in the rat,
improved cardiac function and prevented post-myocardial infarction
remodeling at 6 weeks after treatment.
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 reduced scar circumference without
increasing scar thickness, a phenomenon previously not observed
with other therapies.
[0134] These results show that aromatic-cationic peptides of the
present technology, such as D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such as acetate or
trifluoroacetate salt, are useful in the prevention of LV
remodeling and improvement of LV function. In particular, these
results show that aromatic-cationic peptides of the present
technology, such as D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such as acetate or
trifluoroacetate salt, are useful to improve cardiac function post
myocardial infarction, to prevent and/or ameliorate the
characteristics, signs and symptoms of left ventricular remodeling,
and to improve LV function.
Example 3. Effects of D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 on
Post-Infarction Remodeling and Cardiac Function in a Rodent Model
of Heart Failure
[0135] In this study, D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 was tested to
see if it would improve cardiac function and result in beneficial
mitochondrial gene expression in a post-infarct model of heart
failure.
Methods
[0136] Rats underwent the permanent coronary artery ligation, as
described in Example 2. The rats were split into two groups and
treated for six weeks with either 3 mg/kg/day of
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or 0.9% NaCl (saline) continuously
through mini-osmotic pumps, which were implanted into each
animal.
[0137] After the six week period, LV function was assessed with
echocardiography. Additionally, the hearts were excised and the
heart tissue analyzed for LV chamber volume using tetrazolium salt
staining. Heart tissue in the border zone and remote areas around
the infarct were also harvested and underwent gene array analysis
to determine the expression levels of genes involved in
mitochondrial metabolism.
Results
[0138] FIG. 6 shows that treatment with
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 led to a decrease in LV
volume/heart weight.
[0139] The data shows that chronic treatment with
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 reduced LV dilation in a
post-infarction model of heart failure.
[0140] These results show that aromatic-cationic peptides of the
present technology, such as D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such as acetate or
trifluoroacetate salt, are useful in the prevention and treatment
of diseases and conditions associated with heart failure and LV
remodeling. In particular, these results show that
aromatic-cationic peptides of the present technology, such as
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, such as acetate or trifluoroacetate salt, are useful
in decreasing or preventing an increase in LV volume/heart weight,
and reduce LV dilation post myocardial infarction.
EQUIVALENTS
[0141] The present technology is not to be limited in terms of the
particular embodiments described in this application, which are
intended as single illustrations of individual aspects of the
technology. Many modifications and variations of this technology
can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent
methods and apparatuses within the scope of the technology, in
addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such
modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope
of the appended claims. The present technology is to be limited
only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope
of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be
understood that this technology is not limited to particular
methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biological systems,
which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.
[0142] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are
described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of
any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush
group.
[0143] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and
all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written
description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all
possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any
listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing
and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal
halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting
example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down
into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also
be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as "up
to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," and the like, include
the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently
broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be
understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each
individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells
refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having
1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so
forth.
[0144] All patents, patent applications, provisional applications,
and publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by
reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to
the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of
this specification.
[0145] Other embodiments are set forth within the following
claims.
* * * * *