Use of secretin-receptor ligands in treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Abstract

The invention is based on the finding that the secretin receptor is expressed in tissues present in the distal lung of humans. In patient with CF, levels of the receptor are elevated compared to normal tissue. Treatment of tissue by secretin stimulates the movement of negative ions in the tissue. The invention provides methods of treatment of cystic fibrosis or COPD in a patient by administering to said patient an effective amount of an agent which triggers anion efflux in respiratory tissue via the activation of a secretin receptor.

1 . A method of treatment of cystic fibrosis in a patient suffering from CF, the method comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of an agent which triggers anion efflux in respiratory tissue via the activation of a secretin receptor.  
     
     
         2 . A method of treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a patient suffering from COPD, the method comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of an agent which triggers anion efflux in respiratory tissue via the activation of a secretin receptor.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said agent is a secretin receptor ligand.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said agent is a secretin receptor ligand.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said agent is human secretin as shown in FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO:10).  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said agent is human secretin as shown in FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO:10).  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said agent is administered by inhalation.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said agent is administered by inhalation.  
     
     
         9 . A composition comprising a secretin receptor ligand together with at least one other compound active against CF.  
     
     
         10 . A composition comprising a secretin receptor ligand together with at least one other compound active against COPD.