Anti-Scarring Agents.

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Brief Description Small molecule anti-scarring agents that may inhibit myofibroblast formation at the site of surgical trauma.   Problem Solved by this Technology Scar formation is a normal physiological response to trauma or disease. Excessive, or hypertrophic, scarring is a debilitating condition that results in pain, loss of tissue function, and even death. Many tissues, including the lungs, heart, skin, and eyes, can develop excessive scar tissue as a result of tissue injury, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune disease. Unfortunately, there are few, if any, effective treatments to prevent excess scarring, and new treatment strategies are needed.   Applications Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered that certain Polyether Ionophores, such as salinomycin, are effective at inhibiting the formation of scar-forming myofibroblasts in vitro, and reduce collagen production back to base-line levels. Introduction of these small molecule anti-scarring agents may inhibit myofibroblast formation in: ·         the liver ·         the heart ·         the lungs ·         the kidneys ·         the eye ·         reconstructed breast tissue ·         post-irradiated tissue