The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 25, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 18, 1997
Les Sekut, Westborough, MA (US);
Adam Carter, Newburyport, MA (US);
Tariq Ghayur, Grafton, MA (US);
Subhashis Banerjee, Shrewsbury, MA (US);
Daniel E Tracey, Harvard, MA (US);
BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Rheinland Pfalz, DE;
Abstract
Method for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subject are provided. In the method of the invention, an agent which antagonizes a factor that regulates production of IFN-.gamma. in the subject is administered to the subject in combination with a corticosteroid such that responsiveness of the subject to the corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject. In one embodiment, the agent is an interferon-.gamma. inducing factor (IGIF) antagonist. In another embodiment, the agent is an interleukin-12 (IL-12) antagonist. In a preferred embodiment, the agent is an inhibitor of a caspase family protease, preferably an ICE inhibitor. In another preferred embodiment, the agent is an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody. Other preferred agents include phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and beta-2 agonists. The methods of the invention can be used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and immunological diseases and disorders. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising an agent which antagonizes a factor that regulates production of IFN-.gamma. in a subject, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided. A preferred composition comprises an ICE inhibitor, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.