Aradigm Corp is reporting that its investigational drugs Lipoquin and Pulmaquin significantly reduced the growth of the pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteria infection (PNTM) after 3 weeks of once daily respiratory tract dosing in mice.

The number of colony forming units of Mycobacterium Avium Subsp Hominissuis was reduced by 79% and 77% by Lipoquin and Pulmaquin, respectively (p<0.05) compared to saline controls. In contrast, unencapsulated ciprofloxacin had no effect.

People with severe pulmonary diseases including cystic fibrosis, COPD, and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency are particularly vulnerable to PNTM infections. PNTM symptoms include: fever, cough (including coughing up blood), weight loss/loss of appetite, fatigue and night sweats. Bronchiectasis is a frequent co-morbidity in these patients.

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