Method and composition for treatment of skeletal dysplasias

Abstract

The present invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of skeletal dysplasias, comprising as an active ingredient at least one natriuretic peptide. Unexpectedly, it has been shown that the natriuretic factors may be effective for bone elongation in situations of abnormal bone growth especially for achondroplasia. The effects of the natriuretic peptide may be further enhanced by prolonging its residence time or action at the target site.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A method for effecting bone elongation which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one inhibitor of the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the patient in need thereof has a skeletal dysplasia. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the inhibitor is an antagonist of the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the skeletal dysplasia is achondroplasia. 
     
     
         11 . A method for effecting bone elongation which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP). 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the patient in need thereof has a skeletal dysplasia. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the inhibitor is selected from thiorphan or candoxatril. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the skeletal dysplasia is achondroplasia.