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 (CF) or COPD in a patient suffering from CF or COPD, the method comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of an agent which is camostat.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  where the treatment is CF.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  where the treatment is COPD.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to one of claims  1 - 3  wherein said agent is administered by inhalation.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 4  wherein the inhalation administration is by nebulization.  
     
     
         6 . A composition comprising camostat with at least one other compound active against CF.  
     
     
         7 . A composition comprising camostat together with at least one other compound active against COPD.