Cystic Fibrosis and Luarprofeno
In 2014, a group of researchers from Ceprocoras part of the joint work carried out with our Laboratory, began research for the development of an innovative application aimed at treating severe pulmonary conditions, such as cystic pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia and bronchiectasis. Today this product, still under development, presents a possibility in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ibuprofen has been used for more than 50 years as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, but the specialized literature also states that it has bactericidal properties under certain circumstances. In 2014, Ceprocor researchers led by Dante Beltramo, decided to test this effect with bacteria that commonly infect people with cystic fibrosis. As a consequence of this disease, almost all patients have thick and adherent secretions susceptible to chronic infections with pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus, and exacerbations.
Back in 2018, Conicet and Ceprocor researcher Roxana Alasino explained that “the innovation that was made was to transform ibuprofen into a salt to make it soluble.” By making it soluble, the drug can be administered in nebulizations. “In addition, the salt of the drug works better as a bactericide than its original version,” says Beltramo.
The researchers began to study how the drug killed the bacteria and decided to test it in a medium with a higher ionic charge: a hypertonic saline solution. The bactericidal power increased and also the speed of action, boosting the bactericidal effect by 10 times, and achieving a reduction in activity to minutes instead of hours. Recently the Dr. Alasinoalso demonstrated that this same formulation was capable of inactivating different types of the so-called “enveloped viruses”, including the Coronavirus family.
Finally, the formula obtained was a nebulizable solution of hypertonic sodium ibuprofenate, with bactericidal, virucidal, mucolytic characteristics and a known anti-inflammatory property.
Tests were performed in vitro and also with mice that were nebulized inside special boxes.
The work was published in the scientific journal Pharmaceuticals (published in Pharmaceuticals 2018, 11, 47; doi: 10.3390/ph11020047).
During 2019, a compassionate use protocol was implemented in patients with Idiopathic Fibrosis and E.P.O.C., in which promising recovery results were obtained, compared to the classic treatments currently applied.
Clinical trials
More than three years ago Química Luar started the clinical research process to initiate clinical trials in cystic fibrosis.
Developing such a study takes time. Not all patients are suitable, as there are risks and complications that may arise during the test.
Laboratorio Química Luar, was the first laboratory to formulate and approve Naclin, Hypertonic Saline Solution, to mobilize pulmonary secretion, which is already used with very good results by many patients.
Laboratorios Química Luar is the first national company to develop a special formulation for patients with cystic fibrosis, Naclin, a saline solution to treat pulmonary secretion, which is already used to nebulize most patients in Argentina.
“Our way of adding value is through innovation. We have a commitment to patients, and our motivation is to seek solutions to improve their quality of life, said Luis Argañarás, Technical Director of the Laboratory.
“We are confident that the visibility that the product has achieved due to its effect on patients with Covid-19 will allow us to accelerate and complete this clinical study in patients, and ensure that this solution can reach all those affected by cystic fibrosis sooner, not only in Argentina, but also in the world,” he concluded.
More information about Luarprofeno and COVID-19.
Participate in the Development:
Researchers from CEPROCOR, CONICET and the company Química Luar, through a partnership agreement between CEPROCOR and Laboratorios Química Luar.
– Principal Investigator: CEPROCOR-CONICET-UCC. Dr. Dante Beltramo
– Clinical Investigator: INICSA-CONICET Dr. Néstor García
– CEPROCOR-CONICET Researcher: Dra. Roxana Alasino
– CEPROCOR Researcher Dr. Adrián Muñoz
– CEPROCOR Researcher Dr. Ariel Garro
– Responsible for the company: Farm. Luis Argañarás
