OX-ESI
The OX-ESI project is based on Orexo’s leading research in the arachidonic acid cascade. The objective of project is to develop a compound that inhibits the 15-lipoxygenase enzyme (15-LO). This enzyme appears to have a key role in the inflammatory process through, for example, the formation of eoxins and is present in larger amounts in lung tissue among smokers and patients with bronchitis or asthma than among healthy non-smokers.
The objective of the OX-ESI project is to develop an oral, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory compound for the treatment of asthma, COPD and other inflammatory illnesses.
Project status
Orexo has developed a patent portfolio around several series of molecules with potential drug candidates. These are being evaluated in terms of their biological effects and other properties that are important for an effective and safe drug.
Market
COPD is a very serious illness involving chronic inflammation in the respiratory tracts (frequently caused by smoking), which leads to the progressive and irreversible decrease in lung function. About 7–8 percent of the population is estimated to suffer from COPD in various stages. Asthma affects 6–8 percent of the adult population and some 10 percent of children.
Sales of drugs designed to treat diseases in the respiratory tracts, especially asthma and COPD, totaled USD 29bn in 2007, according to Business Insights’ September 2008 report entitled Innovations and Pipelines for Respiratory Disorders. Asthma patients are treated with inhaled bronchodilating ß2 agonists for fast relief and with inhaled corticosteroids for anti-inflammatory effect. Combination products with long-acting ß2 agonists and steroids are common. However, many would like to avoid steroids as they are viewed as entailing a risk of side effects, such as inhibited growth among children and bone decalcification. Patients with COPD are most often treated with the same drugs as asthma patients and with anticholinergic bronchodilating drugs developed specifically for COPD.