Prevention of adhesions and excessive scar formation using angiogenesis inhibitors

Abstract

A method and compositions for inhibiting excessive scar formation and adhesions by administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of an angiogenesis inhibitor. In the preferred embodiment, the angiogenesis inhibitor is selective, such as a fumagillol derivative like 0-chloroacetylcarbamoyl-Fumagillol (TNP-470, TAP Pharmaceuticals), thalidomide, or a selective drug having more than one activity, such as minocycline or penicilliamine which also have antibiotic activity. Less selective compounds can also be used, such as the cytokine IL12. Patients to be treated include those having experienced trauma, surgical intervention, burns, and other types of injuries. The inhibitor is administered in an amount effective to decrease excessive scarring, defined as formation of high density tissue including cells and connective tissue, without preventing normal wound closure. The inhibitors can be administered systemically and/or locally or topically, as needed. For prevention of adhesions, the angiogenesis inhibitor would typically be applied at the time of surgery, preferably in a controlled release formulation and/or using barrier technology.