METHOD FOR REDUCING INJURY AND STABILIZING MUSCLE USING ORALLY ADMINISTERED INTERFERON
Patent Number: US 9642893 Grant Date: 2017-05-09 Filing Date: 2014-07-03
Overview
This patent describes a pharmacological approach using orally administered low-dose type I and type III interferons to reduce muscle injury and stabilize skeletal muscle. Filed in July 2014 and granted in May 2017, the application—by inventors based in Edmond, OK—discloses compositions (including interferon-alpha, interferon-omega, and interferon-lambda) formulated for oral delivery as lozenges, liquids, chewables, or as feed supplements for ruminants. The specification details practical dosing (about 0.01 IU/lb to about 100 IU/lb), inclusion of stabilizers such as trehalose and select disaccharides, and microencapsulation strategies to bypass the rumen for targeted enteric release. Experimental data described in the file demonstrate reduced serum creatine kinase (CK) in calves after single and repeated oral dosing, supporting prophylactic and therapeutic use to limit muscle damage from handling, transport, or disease. The claims are drafted to capture both direct oral dosing and feed‑based delivery systems across species, reflecting careful prosecution strategy and technical depth.
Key Features
- Low-dose oral interferon therapy for muscle protection (0.01–100 IU/lb)
- Formulations: lozenges, liquids, feed supplements, and encapsulated enteric release
- Stabilizers included: trehalose plus maltose/lactose/fructose options
- Demonstrated reduction in serum CK in calves after handling-induced muscle stress
- Claims cover administration regimens, dosage ranges, and ruminant-focused feed formulations
This portfolio-strengthening patent connects molecular immunotherapy with practical delivery solutions for veterinary and potentially human inflammatory myopathies, offering clear implications for animal welfare, livestock economics, and translation to broader therapeutic applications.
Invention Details
Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions and methods for treating or preventing muscle injury or diseases through oral administration of low doses of type I and/or type III interferons. In one embodiment a composition is administered comprising interferon-alpha and trehalose.
Summary of the Invention: A system and three methods are disclosed.
Said system comprises a supplemented animal feed. Said supplemented animal feed comprising: a feed supplement comprising a type I interferon, a trehalose, and a disaccharide. Said disaccharide is selected from a group consisting of a maltose, a lactose and a fructose. Said feed supplement is admixed with an animal feed formulation.
Said first method comprises a method of treating muscle injury or disease. Said method comprising: identifying a humans or an animals at risk and administering to said humans or said animals a composition comprising a dose of an interferon.
Said second method comprises a method of stabilizing muscle in a vertebrate species. Said method comprising: administering a composition to a vertebrate species. Wherein, said composition comprises an interferon comprising of an interferon-alpha, an interferon-omega and/or an interferon-lambda.
Said third method comprises a method of inhibiting muscle injury to humans or animals, comprising: administering a composition comprising interferon-alpha, interferon-omega and/or interferon-lambda.
Patent Document
Related: Agriculture | Medical Devices & Surgical Instrumentation | Livestock | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney