Drugs made from shark antibodies can treat pulmonary fibrosis

A new drug made from antibodies on shark estimated to bring many medical values ​​is receiving the attention of many people.

Previously, sharks are known to have an abnormal immune system, or in other words, this predator has a system that protects against the risk of cancer significantly.

And recently, a new antibody with the scientific name of shark angiogenin has been found to inhibit vascular formation of fibroids in the body.

Therefore, a group of Australian scientists have created a drug based on this antibody to treat the disease of incurable pulmonary fibrosis .

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic condition in which tissue deep inside the lungs is damaged, thickened, harder due to loss of elasticity (elasticity), and scarring. These scars are called pulmonary fibrosis. Because the lungs are scarred and stiffer, it will limit the person's ability to breathe.

Now scientists from La Trobe University in Australia are rushing to run a clinical trial worldwide using a drug made from this shark antibody.

The new drug, scientific name AD-114, is a drug derived from antibodies of angiogenin taken from the Wobbegong shark.

Tests in mice showed that the drug significantly reduced fibrosis in the lungs and liver during the treatment period of 14 and 21 days, respectively.

'We believe that AD-114 will open a new era of effective treatment for future pulmonary fibrosis in the human body,' said AdAlta scientist Sam Cobb in a statement.

'Many experts assess that, if the experiment is successful, the drug may be superior to the current (approved) pulmonary fibrosis medications in all aspects . ' Cobb said.

'Characteristics of drugs made from shark antibodies will help fight inflammation, reduce the amount of collagen accumulated in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing for patients. This continues to be one of the new medical findings from sharks with the mission of saving people ' - said Associate Professor at La Trobe Molecular Science Institute (LIMS).

"In the future, we believe that AD-114 is also resistant to fibrosis in the liver, skin, eyes, kidneys ." Foley said in a statement.