Methods and compositions for prevention and treatment of Apicomplexan infections
Inventors
O'CONNOR, Roberta • Schmidt, Eric W.
Assignees
Tufts Medical Center Inc • Washington State University WSU • University of Utah Research Foundation Inc
Publication Number
US-11135231-B2
Publication Date
2021-10-05
Expiration Date
2037-12-07
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Abstract
Methods and compositions for preventing and/or treating diseases and conditions caused by certain apicomplexan infections are provided. The methods involve administering/providing to a subject one or more of tartrolon D and E, including isomers thereof. Exemplary apicomplexan infections that are prevented/treated by the compounds of the invention include those caused by Cryptosporidium, Babesia, Cyclospora, Isospora, Plasmodium, Sarcocystis, Besnoitia, Hammondia, Neospora, Theileria and Toxoplasma.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods and compositions for preventing or treating diseases and conditions caused by infections with protozoan parasites from the Apicomplexa phylum. The core approach involves administering or providing to a subject at least one of tartrolon D and tartrolon E, including their isomers. This administration is designed to irreversibly inhibit or kill apicomplexan parasites in a subject, on surfaces, or in vectors. Both tartrolon D and E, along with their stereoisomers, exhibit similar inhibitory effects against parasite growth.
The diseases targeted include cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, babesiosis, malaria, and others caused by parasites such as Cryptosporidium, Babesia, Cyclospora, Isospora, Plasmodium, Sarcocystis, Theileria, Besnoitia, Hammondia, Neospora, and Toxoplasma. The compounds can be delivered as purified preparations, in pharmaceutical compositions, or as food supplements or animal feed. The compositions may also include a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or a second anti-parasitic agent. The innovation provides options for treatment, prophylaxis, and reduction of symptoms of apicomplexan infections.
The background identifies the problem of widespread and economically significant apicomplexan infections in humans and animals, highlighting diseases such as cryptosporidiosis and malaria. Current treatments are limited and often ineffective, with significant issues due to drug resistance and lack of curative options, especially for immunocompromised individuals. The invention directly addresses the urgent need for new therapeutics and prophylactics for controlling these parasitic diseases.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim in the patent, which serves as the foundation for several dependent claims. Three main inventive features are distinctly set forth in the claim coverage.
Treatment or prevention of apicomplexan diseases by administration of tartrolon D and E
A method of treating or preventing a disease caused by an apicomplexan parasite in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject at least one of tartrolon D and E in an amount that is therapeutically effective against the apicomplexan parasite. - The method can include administering purified forms of tartrolon D and E. - The subject may be human or a variety of animal species. - The administration can include a specified dose (e.g., at least about 2 mg per kg body weight) and can be combined with a second anti-parasitic agent or both tartrolon D and E.
The independent claim broadly covers methods for treatment or prevention of apicomplexan diseases via administration of tartrolon D and E, encompassing multiple parasite types, disease states, subject species, and combinations with additional agents or formulation forms.
Stated Advantages
Tartrolon D and E irreversibly inhibit or kill apicomplexan parasites, providing a method for prevention or treatment of infections.
The compounds exhibit anti-parasitic activity at low nanomolar to picomolar concentrations, suggesting effective in vivo administration.
Tartrolon D and E are effective against a broad spectrum of apicomplexan parasites, including drug-resistant strains.
The compounds show no toxicity to host cells at concentrations required for anti-parasitic activity, indicating likely safety for in vivo use.
Low doses of tartrolon D and E are sufficient to achieve significant reduction or elimination of parasitic infection in animal models.
Documented Applications
Treatment and prevention of diseases caused by Cryptosporidium species (cryptosporidiosis).
Treatment and prevention of diseases caused by Toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis).
Treatment and prevention of diseases caused by Babesia species (babesiosis).
Treatment and prevention of diseases caused by Plasmodium species (malaria).
Treatment and prevention of diseases caused by other apicomplexan parasites, including Cyclospora, Isospora, Eimeria, Sarcocystis, Theileria, Besnoitia, Hammondia, and Neospora.
Use in pharmaceutical compositions for therapy or prophylaxis in humans and animals.
Use as an ingredient in food supplements or animal feed for disease prevention in livestock and potentially humans.
Use as a cleanser, disinfectant, or suppressant for surfaces or vectors to inhibit or kill apicomplexan parasites.
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