Scientists have developed a new technology capable of improving survival outcomes after bone marrow transplantation

Oct 8 2004

Parker Hughes scientists have developed a new technology capable of improving survival outcomes after bone marrow transplantation.

The study was published in the September issue of the prestigious medical journal, British Journal of Hematology. The technology involves the rational design and application of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, and graft versus host disease.

Parker Hughes scientists have developed a specific BTK inhibitor, alpha-cyano-beta- hydroxy-beta-methyl-N-(2,5-dibromophenyl)-propenamide (LFM-A13). In a murine model of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation the drug was shown to improve survival outcomes in mice. When used in combination with a novel anti-GVHD drug Janex-1, developed by Parker Hughes, survival outcomes were even greater than when using LFM-AI3 alone.

This new technology is being further refined by federal grant awards. This invention was also awarded a United States patent.

GVHD can be mild to severe and in some cases is even fatal. GVHD occurs post transplant when the immune cells from the donated marrow manufactures anti-bodies against the patient's own tissues and attacks vital organs.