New Protein Inhibitor Prevents Asthmatic Reactions

Scientists have developed a new drug targeted at a cellular protein to prevent asthmatic reactions. The cellular protein, a member of the Janus family protein tyrosine kinases, is called Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3).

Prior research had shown genetic and biochemical evidence that JAK3 controls asthmatic reactions. The scientists used this finding as a basis to develop a drug, WHI-P97, that effectively inhibits the activity of JAK3, thereby preventing asthmatic reactions. The drug has shown promising results in a mouse model of allergic asthma at nontoxic dose levels. Therapeutic concentrations could easily be achieved after administration of a single nontoxic dose, say the scientists, from Parker Hughes Institute (St. Paul, MN, USA). Parker Hughes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to eradicating cancer, AIDS, and diseases of the immune system.

"Further development of WHI-P97 may provide the basis for new and effective treatment, as well as prevention programs for allergic asthma in clinical settings,” said chief investigator Ravi Malaviya, director of the allergy and inflammatory diseases department at Parker Hughes.



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