Inhibition of cathepsin k activity and the treatment and prevention of disease

Abstract

The present invention provides a candidate compound that is suitable for use in methods of treating animals (preferably mammals) and in the preparation of a medicament, wherein the candidate compound down regulates Cathepsin K activity.

1 . A method for treating or preventing bone resorption associated with tooth root absorption in a mammal comprising the step of administering an amount of an over-sulfated polysaccharide effective to inhibit cathepsin K and thereby treat or prevent the bone resorption, wherein the effective amount of oversulfated polysaccharide is 0.1-30 mg/kg body weight and wherein the oversulfated polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of calcium xylopyranose polysulfate and calcium pentosan polysulfate. 
     
     
         2 . A method for treating or preventing bone resorption associated with osteolysis in a mammal comprising the step of administering an amount of an over-sulfated polysaccharide effective to inhibit cathepsin K and thereby treat or prevent the bone resorption, wherein the effective amount of oversulfated polysaccharide is 0.1-30 mg/kg body weight and wherein the oversulfated polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of calcium xylopyranose polysulfate and calcium pentosan polysulfate. 
     
     
         3 . A method for treating or preventing tissue destruction associated with inflammation of an airway or lung in a mammal comprising the step of administering an amount of an over-sulfated polysaccharide effective to inhibit cathepsin K and thereby treat or prevent inflammation, wherein the effective amount of oversulfated polysaccharide is 0.1-30 mg/kg body weight and wherein the oversulfated polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of calcium xylopyranose polysulfate and calcium pentosan polysulfate. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the oversulfated polysaccharide is calcium xylopyranose polysulfate. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the oversulfated polysaccharide is calcium pentosan polysulfate. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the oversulfated polysaccharide is calcium xylopyranose polysulfate. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the oversulfated polysaccharide is calcium pentosan polysulfate. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the oversulfated polysaccharide is calcium xylopyranose polysulfate. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the oversulfated polysaccharide is calcium pentosan polysulfate.