Autophagy Inducing Drug

About

Background Inducing autophagy, the process that removes unnecessary and dysfunctional cellular components, is a critical part of how the body heals infections and numerous diseases. Thus, a number of drugs designed to treat cancers, immune diseases, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases induce autophagy. However, these drugs often have limited residence time within the human body which reduces their efficacy and increases the dose required for effective treatment, increasing the risk of negative side effects. This unfortunate characteristic is often augmented by interactions with other therapeutic drugs in the system. There is a present need for effective drugs with long residence times and a minimal potential for interaction with other drugs. Technology Description Researchers at the University of New Mexico have developed a series of isotope-enhanced autophagy inducing drugs with a long residence time and minimal potential interaction with other therapeutics. This series of compounds allows for more effective treatment of multiple diseases and disorders via autophagy. Adavantages/Applications Isotope-enhanced compounds can be successfully administered via inhalation making them effective in the treatment of tuberculosis and other pulmonary infections and diseases Compounds can be administered in oral form Long residence times enable more effective dosing for successful treatment and minimize side effects  Use of these compounds can avoid pharmacokinetic complications seen in other therapies Minimal potential for interaction with other therapeutic drugs making these compounds excellent candidates for treatment regimens involving multiple medications