Helix BioMedix shows peptides may fight cystic fibrosis

Researchers screened 150 peptides for activity against cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogens in the presence of factors that mimic the physiological environment of the CF lung. Peptides with good anti-inflammatory as well as antimicrobial activity were then tested in animal models for in vivo efficacy.

Peptides were delivered to the lung via nebulization in three daily doses following infection, resulting in an estimated lung delivery of 10 to 15 ug per dose. The control group was treated with saline.

The data suggests that the lead peptides, HBCM2, HBCM3, HBCPa-2 and HB71 significantly reduced the numbers of viable bacteria in the infected lungs of rats as well as demonstrating good anti-inflammatory activity in mice.

The in vitro antimicrobial coverage of most peptides was superior to most conventional antibiotics. In addition to bactericidal activity towards multiple microorganisms, some peptides also possessed potent anti-gram-positive and anti-candida activity, an advantage, since those pathogens can be present in the CF lung. Other antibiotics used in CF therapy, such as tobramycin, often lack useful gram-positive and fungal coverage.

Timothy Falla, vice president and chief scientific officer of Helix BioMedix said: “Our peptides have proven to be fast acting, bactericidal and active against multidrug-resistant bacteria. In addition, certain peptides seem to exhibit anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and wound healing activities in addition to antimicrobial activity.”