The University of Queensland

Design and use of human hematopoietic prostaglandin D2 synthase inhibitors in allergic asthma and bone diseases (2007–2009)

Abstract:

Many currently used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are burdened by side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding or increased risk of heart attack. This is because they ablate the production of a class of molecules called prostaglandins. We believe it is possible to fine tune the action of these drugs and reduce the side effect risk. There is evidence to suggest that only some prostaglandins are involved in inflammation, so the risk of side effect can be reduced by blocking the production of only a small set. One prostaglandin, prostaglandin D2, is known to cause many characteristics of allergic asthma and may also contribute to osteoarthritis, although the evidence for this is contradictory. We will determine any therapeutic benefit to blocking the production of prostaglandin D2 in these diseases by developing compounds that only inhibit the enzyme responsible for its production.

Grant type:

NHMRC Project Grant

Researchers:

• 

  Associate Professor Mark Smythe

  Principal Research Fellow - GL
  

  Institute for Molecular Bioscience

• 

  Professor Matt Sweet

  NHMRC Leadership Fellow - GL
  

  Institute for Molecular Bioscience

  Affiliate NHMRC Leadership Fellow
  

  School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

  Faculty of Science

Funded by:

National Health and Medical Research Council