7 April, 2006

Drug discovery, Herbal medicine/Nutraceuticals

1217B is a botanically derived potential drug candidate that inhibits the synthesis of several key pro-inflammatory mediators involved in the pathophysiology of allergic asthma and has been found to improve lung functionality in a mouse model of allergic asthma.

Inhaled corticosteroids are currently the first line of treatment for asthma. However, these medications lack specificity in their effects and are often associated with side effects. There remains a need for the development of improved therapeutics for allergic asthma.

1217B, a complex mixture of botanical extracts, has been derived from four traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. It was studied for its pharmacological activity regarding the release of cysteinyl leukotrienes, IL-4 and TNF in vitro and the airway hyperreactivity in an antigen sensitized-challenged mouse model in vivo. Preliminary results indicate that 1217B can inhibit the synthesis of several key pro-inflammatory mediators involved in the pathophysiology of allergic asthma and can also improve lung function in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Safety studies have also been performed on cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems using 1217B, and results indicate that no side effects are caused. In vitro tests and in vivo animal tests data are available on request.

US patent issued, and EU, China, Germany, England and Taiwan patents are pending

US FDA IND approved (No.74229)

Biotechnology/phamaceutical companies that are interested in developing 1217B into a drug following FDA guidelines.

Companies or research institutes that are seeking collaboration for commercial or scientific purposes.

Huang, Ming-chang, PhD - President