| Use of Tetracycline to Treat Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) |
| The invention demonstrated that systemic administration of doxycycline reduces the progression of LAM, an aggressive and destructive, eventually fatal, lung disease of women by interfering with the mechanism of tissue destruction by decreasing the production of molecules involved in the progression of the disease (metalloproteases MMP-2 and MMP-9). The preclinical testing is well advanced and preliminary human clinical trials have demonstrated proof of principle in twenty patients. |
| LAM is characterized by an unusual type of muscle cell that invades the tissue of the lungs, including the airways, blood and lymph vessels. The only known cure for patients with this severe disease is lung transplantation. Over 1,000 women with LAM have been identified in the U.S.; however, the precise number of people who have LAM is unknown. Scientists who study LAM estimate that there are over 250,000 women with LAM worldwide. More recent estimates are close to 3,000,000 worldwide. |
| This is the only known treatment for LAM which has the potential to delay or eliminate the need for lung transplant. While being treated in preliminary clinical testing the patients were able to be more active and enjoyed a better quality of life. |
| Marilyn K. Glassberg, Sharon J. Elliot and Michael Karl |
