In vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel small molecules on post-surgical peritoneal adhesions.

Post-surgical peritoneal adhesions are the leading cause of the postoperative bowel occlusions and are often associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. There is no successful treatment developed yet and adhesion re-operations are only a temporary solution. Therefore, there is a strong unmet clinical need to develop novel therapies to help patients. The Kubes lab developed a method to visualize adhesion formation in a mouse model and this method also allows to monitor how administering a blocking molecule prevents this process. Immune cells macrophages have been found by us to be the key players in the initial stages of adhesion formation, and we were able to prevent this by blocking specific receptors on these macrophages called scavenger receptors with a molecule polyinosinic acid (Poly(I)). While we have a core molecule that blocks the adhesions, the Kubes lab in a collaboration with a biotech start-up Medhesion Inc. aims to make better versions of this molecule so that it has fewer side effects and blocks adhesion formation more efficiently. Our ultimate goal is to develop a drug that could be given at the end of a surgical operation to all patients to ensure none develop adhesions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Kubes

Student:

Partner:

Medhesions Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program: