Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis-detection, monitoring, prediction methods

Abstract

Provided is a compound of the general formula (I):The compound of formula (I) is suitable for treating pulmonary fibrosis, such as Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a mammal. Also provided is a method for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, such as Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a human subject having a galectin-3 level indicative of pulmonary fibrosis or exacerbation of symptoms as well as a method for making said compound.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A compound of the general formula (I): 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         2 . The compound of  claim 1  selected from bis (3-deoxy-3-(3-fluorophenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-β-D-galactopyranosyl) sulfane as the free form. 
     
     
         3 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula (I) of  claim 1  and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable additive. 
     
     
         4 . A method for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof an amount of the compound of formula (I) of  claim 1  effective to treat said pulmonary fibrosis. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said compound is administered by the pulmonary route. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the mammal is a human subject diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the mammal is a human subject diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the human subject has an indicative level of galectin-3 of at least about 10 ng/ml. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the human subject has an indicative level of galectin-3 of at least about 22 ng/ml.