CONTEXT

Pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa produce a large number of protein receptors called lectins that are able to specifically recognize carbohydrates located on human tissues.

These receptors are known to play a primary role in the infection by such pathogens as they participate in the adhesion to host tissues through the recognition of carbohydrate epitopes leading to the formation of biofilm which increases the resistance to host immunity.

Carbohydrates and derivatives with high affinity toward lectins that can interfere with the adhesion process of pathogens are a promising source of anti-infectious compounds for pathogens whom infection is based on lectins. Such compounds consequently appear as an alternative to the use of antibiotics which tends to be less efficient with bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

In the present work, the inventors have developped novel glycomimetic compounds presenting anti-adhesive properties due to a high affinity towards bacterial lectins competiting therefore with human tissue oligosaccharides.

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

• In vitro and in vivo efficiency assays with Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
• Future development : toxicity assays.

BENEFITS

Glycomimetic compounds protected in the invention have many benefits:

• They can be used locally;
• They do not display any toxicity;
• There is a weak risk of pathogen resistance (as they do not affect bacteria metabolism);
• They can be potentially used in conjunction with other treatments such as antibiotics.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

As already stated, the glycomimetic compounds of the present invention can be used as anti-infectious therapeutic agents. For example, they can be used through inhalation in the treatment of infections involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the pyocyanic bacillus involved in lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients. Moreover,
knowing that such pathogens can also be present in skin infections, another application could be the local application on band aid of said compounds.
Finally, to prevent nosocomial infections involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa, another application could be based on the treatment of hospital equipments respiratory apparatus, surgery tools) as well as regular surfaces or even hands.

For further information, please contact us (Ref 03949-01)