Use of furin convertase inhibitors in the treatment of fibrosis and scarring

Abstract

The present invention relates to use of convertase inhibitors for the reduction of scarring during the healing of wounds and also for reducing fibrosis in the treatment of fibrotic conditions.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method for reducing scarring during the healing of wounds, reducing fibrosis in the treatment of fibrotic conditions, or for preventing or inhibiting scar formation or fibrosis, comprising applying a furin inhibitor to a site of a wound or fibrotic disorder or to a site where a wound may form or fibrosis may occur. 
     
     
         19 . The method defined in  claim 18  wherein the inhibitor is a serine protease inhibitor. 
     
     
         20 . The method defined in  claim 18  wherein the inhibitor is lipid soluble. 
     
     
         21 . The method defined in  claim 19  wherein the inhibitor is a peptidyl chloroalkylketone having a peptide moiety which mimics at least one convertase enzyme cleavage site. 
     
     
         22 . The method defined in  claim 19  wherein the inhibitor is decanoyl-RVKR-cmk (SEQ ID NO: 1). 
     
     
         23 . The method defined in  claim 18  wherein the inhibitor is water soluble. 
     
     
         24 . The method defined in  claim 23  wherein the inhibitor is hexa-arginine (SEQ ID NO: 5). 
     
     
         25 . The method defined in  claim 18  for reducing fibrosis in the treatment of fibrotic conditions. 
     
     
         26 . The method defined in  claim 25  wherein the fibrotic condition is a fibrotic disorder selected from glomerulonephritis, cirrhosis of the liver, fibrotic disease, adhesions or restenosis. 
     
     
         27 . A composition comprising an effective amount of a furin inhibitor for reducing scarring during the healing of wounds, reducing fibrosis in the treatment of fibrotic conditions, or for preventing scar formation or fibrosis, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said injury is to a muscle, tendon, ligament or skin. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the wound is a surgical wound. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said applying is topical. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said applying is by injection.