Targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway for fibrosis therapy: a patent review (2015-2020)

Area of Science:

• Fibrosis research
• Drug development
• Molecular signaling pathways

Background:

• Fibrosis is a severe condition affecting vital organs like the kidney, liver, and lung, often leading to organ failure and death.
• The complex mechanisms of fibrosis present significant challenges for antifibrotic drug development.
• The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway is a critical and universally recognized pathway in virtually all types of fibrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review patents on active molecules targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway for potential antifibrotic therapies.
• To explore strategies for inhibiting TGF-β signaling at various stages, from activation to downstream effects.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of patents related to molecules that target TGF-β pathway activation.
• Overview of strategies to prevent signal propagation, including TGF-β antibodies, ligand traps, and receptor kinase inhibitors.
• Description of molecules affecting downstream targets in both canonical and noncanonical TGF-β signaling.

Main Results:

• Patents indicate a growing interest in targeting TGF-β signaling for fibrosis treatment.
• Multiple molecular strategies exist to inhibit TGF-β signaling comprehensively.
• Emerging patents support the potential of TGF-β pathway inhibition as an effective therapeutic approach.

Conclusions:

• Targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway is a highly anticipated strategy for effective fibrosis treatment.
• The pathway can be inhibited comprehensively, from TGF-β activation to downstream signaling.
• Inhibiting TGF-β signaling holds promise for developing more effective antifibrotic therapies.