Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Bigin Li

Roger D Tung

Michael Shin-San Su

This invention relates to the use of butyrate prodrugs derived from lactic acid for treating inflammatory bowel disease. The invention also relates to the use of those prodrugs for the treatment of a chemotherapy-induced mucocutaneous side effect in a patient. The invention further relates to the use of butyrate prodrugs for treating lung, colo-rectal or prostate cancer. And the invention also relates to the use of butyrate prodrugs to treat cystic fibrosis and to enhance the efficiency of gene therapy.

Butyrate prodrugs derived from lactic acid

This invention relates to butyrate prodrugs derived from lactic acid and pharmaceutical compositions and methods employing them, either alone or in combination with other agents, for increasing gamma globin and fetal hemoglobin in a patient. These compounds, compositions and methods are particularly effective in treating .beta.-hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell syndromes and .beta.-thalassemia syndromes. This invention relates to the use of these prodrugs, alone or in combination with other agents, to stimulate cell differentiation which prevents proliferation of malignant cells. These methods are particularly useful in treating cancer, especially malignant hematological disorders. In addition, this invention relates to the use of these prodrugs in treating inflammatory bowel diseases.

Growing community of inventors

Bedford, MA, United States of America

Bigin Li