Problem and Solution:
Excessive fibrosis, a critical part of wound healing, contributes to various diseases such as systemic sclerosis, cardiomyopathies, liver cirrhosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Current therapeutic approaches are inadequate. The inventors discovered that inhibiting IL-11, a key factor in fibrosis, can prevent and treat fibrosis more effectively than targeting TGFB1, which has severe side effects.
Potential Clinical Applications:
Treatment of fibrosis in the lung, liver, heart, and kidneys.
Brief Description:
Fibrosis causes millions of deaths, with limited treatment options. The inventors found that IL-11 is crucial in fibrosis development. Inhibiting IL-11 can prevent fibrosis, making it a prime drug target. Anti-IL-11 therapies could revolutionize treatment for organ fibrosis.
Patent Status:
Eight patent families, jointly owned by SHS/NUS and some with Enleofen, cover IL-11's role in fibrosis and related diseases, along with developed antibodies for treatment.
Licensing Status:
The patent was exclusively licensed to Enleofen and later acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim.