Hygromycin a compounds and methods of treating spirochete diseases
Inventors
Lewis, Kim • Imai, Yu • WU, Xiaoqian (Wendy) • D'Onofrio, Anthony • Leimer, Nadja • Iinishi, Akira
Assignees
Northeastern University Boston
Publication Number
US-12233081-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-25
Expiration Date
2039-08-19
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Abstract
This invention provides, among other things, compounds useful for treating spirochete diseases such as Lyme disease, as well as pharmaceutical formulations and/or environmental baits containing such compounds.
Core Innovation
The invention provides compounds, including hygromycin A and its analogs, which are useful for treating diseases associated with spirochetes, such as Lyme disease. These compounds may be formulated into pharmaceutical preparations or environmental baits. The compounds are described by structural formulas specifying various substituents and can be administered in the form of salts, hydrates, or solvates.
The problem addressed by this invention is the current limitation of Lyme disease treatments, which typically rely on antibiotics such as amoxicillin or ceftriaxone that significantly disrupt the gut microbiome. There is a need for new compounds that can treat spirochete-associated diseases without causing major gut microbiome disruption. The inventors have discovered that hygromycin A is effective in treating spirochete infections and does so without significant disruption of the gut microbiome.
Methods of treating or preventing spirochete infections in animals, especially in humans, are provided by administering therapeutically effective amounts of these compounds. Additional aspects include methods of directly killing or inhibiting the growth of spirochetes by contacting them with the compound, as well as environmental applications using baits containing the compound for targeting spirochetes in animal populations.
Claims Coverage
There are three main inventive features covered by the independent claims.
Method of treating a disease associated with a spirochete in an animal using a specific compound
A method of treating a disease associated with a spirochete in an animal by administering to the animal in need of treatment a compound according to formula (XVII), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof.
Method of killing and/or preventing the growth of a spirochete by contacting with a specific compound
A method of killing and/or preventing the growth of a spirochete in an animal by contacting the spirochete with a compound according to formula (XVII), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof.
Method of reducing Borrelia burgdorferi infection in an animal
A method of reducing Borrelia burgdorferi infection in an animal comprising administering to the animal a compound according to formula (XVII), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof.
The inventive features encompass methods of treating spirochete-associated diseases, killing or inhibiting spirochete growth, and reducing Borrelia burgdorferi infection using a defined compound or its pharmaceutically acceptable forms.
Stated Advantages
The compound treats spirochete infections, such as Lyme disease, without significantly disrupting the gut microbiome.
The compound provides a therapy for spirochete diseases that avoids major side effects associated with current antibiotics, such as disruption of commensal gut flora.
The compound can effectively clear Borrelia burgdorferi infection in vivo.
Documented Applications
Treatment or prevention of diseases associated with spirochetes, including Lyme disease, leptospirosis, relapsing fever, syphilis, yaws, intestinal spirochetosis, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
Use in environmental baits to target animal populations for reduction or prevention of spirochete infections.
Use in pharmaceutical formulations for administration to animals, including humans and livestock.
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