Aerosolized BIO-11006, a Novel MARCKS- Related Peptide, Improves Airway Obstruction in a Mouse Model of Mucus Hypersecretion

Rationale: Mucus hypersecretion has been shown to be an important cause of airway obstruction in COPD and asthma, and has been associated with fatal asthma. Previous in-vitro and in-vivo studies have provided direct evidence that the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) is a central regulatory molecule linking secretagogue stimulation at the goblet cell surface to mucin granule release. BIO-11006 is a novel, highly soluble, aerosolized peptide that inhibits MARCKS function and results in reduced mucus secretion and improved airway obstruction. BIO-11006 is being tested in Phase 2 clinical studies of COPD.