Pneumonia, Pulmonary Edema, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) are severe lung conditions that can lead to respiratory failure. PhorMed’s RLC/929 works by reducing inflammation and promoting the repair of lung tissues, thereby improving respiratory function and offering new hope for recovery.
ARDS
WHAT WE HAVE DETERMINED IN OUR ARDS STUDIES
Pneumonia, Edema and ARDS represent progressively severe stages of critical lung disorders, with ARDS being the most severe and life threatening. ARDS is where fluid collects in and around the air sacs of the lungs, the alveoli cells. They become damaged, depriving the flow of oxygen in the lungs and bloodstream. We have determined, through our studies, that RLC/929 significantly reduces the inflammation and repairs damaged alveoli cells, limiting damage to the lungs. In addition, RLC/929 has shown the ability to block over-active/over-productive pro-inflammatory chemokines (eotaxin) and cytokines (interleukins: IL-1, IL-2, IL-9, and IL-10). These markers have been shown to be key effectors that comprise the “cytokine storm syndrome” (CSS) consistently observed in severe ARDS associated with respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza and bacterial pneumonia. (See Inflammation video in the ‘Science/How It Works’ tab)
ARDS presents in a variety of ways including sudden acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In severe and fatal ARDS, disease severity is directly associated with the extent of inflammatory cell (neutrophil and macrophage) infiltration into the lungs. When ARDS occurs, these inflammatory cells are profoundly elevated in the blood vessels, alveoli and other lung tissue. This results in congestion, hypoxia, vascular destruction and thrombosis (clotting), swelling, and is reflected in histology in ARDS tissue.
In our on-going studies, the results demonstrate that RLC/929 safely and effectively reduces pulmonary inflammation. The ARDS animal system that we used is a validated model that is predictive of clinical drug efficacy and widely accepted in the industry. This study therefore represents a milestone advancement towards PhorMed’s goal of initiating human clinical trials of RLC/929 for treating severe pneumonia, edema, and ARDS.
A Promising Solution for PULMONARY inflammation
RLC/929 has demonstrated significant potential in combating lung disorders by effectively reducing inflammation in the lungs, as shown in preclinical studies using a validated ARDS animal model. The therapeutic effects of RLC/929 target the underlying mechanisms responsible for severe lung damage and inflammation, making it a groundbreaking candidate for treating pneumonia, edema, and ARDS.
- Aquaporin regulation: Aquaporins are small proteins in cell membranes that help move water in and out of cells. They are water channels, the body’s “biological plumbing system,” primarily facilitating the rapid and selective transport of water molecules in and out of cells. RLC/929 has the ability to induce these water channels, allowing fluids to flow more freely. By increasing the number of these channels, RLC/929 may help the body move excess fluid away from areas where it builds up during inflammation, supporting better tissue balance and helping reduce swelling and pressure caused by trapped fluid in alveoli (tiny air sacs), and the interstitial space (the tissue between the air sacs and blood vessels).
- Cytokine Induction: RLC/929 has shown the ability to counteract pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines by infiltrating neutrophils. This balanced cytokine profile aims to restore a healthy immune response and promote lung tissue repair.
- Anti-Inflammatory Action through Cytokine regulation: RLC/929 reduces inflammation and limits lung damage by regulating cytokine production, specifically targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1, IL-2, IL-9, IL-10 and Eotaxin, which can trigger a harmful “Cytokine Storm Syndrome” in ARDS.
Addressing Cytokine Storm Syndrome
Various infections, including flu, COVID-19, and bacterial pneumonia, can trigger a surge of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to CSS—a major contributor to ARDS severity. By controlling this cytokine storm, RLC/929 provides significant anti-inflammatory benefits and minimizes lung damage.
New hope for patients suffering from pulmonary disorders
RLC/929’s ability to modulate cytokines and reduce inflammation offers a multifaceted approach to managing lung disorders. The company plans to validate these findings in Phase 2 clinical trials, paving the way for innovative treatments that address this life-threatening condition.