Treatment of neovascularization disorders with squalimine
Aminosterol compounds are described that are useful as inhibitors of the sodium/proton exchanger (NHE). Methods of using such aminosterols compounds are also enclosed, including those employing compounds that are inhibitors of a spectrum of NHEs as well as those using compounds that are inhibitors of only one specific NHE. Advantageous screening techniques and assays for evaluating a compound's therapeutic activity are also disclosed.
1. A method of inhibiting neovascularization in a mammalian eye, comprising administering to the mammal in need thereof a composition comprising an amount of squalamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective to inhibit the neovascularization.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the effective amount is about 0.1 to about 10 mg/kg body weight.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the neovascularization is associated with macular degeneration.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the composition is administered intravenously or subcutaneously.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the composition is administered topically.
6. A method of treating macular degeneration in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal a composition comprising an amount of squalamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective to treat the macular degeneration.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the effective amount is about 0.1 to about 10 mg/kg body weight.
8. The method of claim 1 or claim 6 , wherein the mammal is a human.
9. The method of claim 6 , wherein the composition is administered intravenously.
10. A method of treating macular degeneration in a human, comprising administering systemically to the human in need of treatment, a composition comprising an amount of squalamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective to treat the macular degeneration.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the systemic administration is selected from the group consisting of intravenous, subcutaneous and intramuscular injection.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the method consists essentially of administering to the human in need of treatment, a composition comprising an amount of squalamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective to treat the macular degeneration.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the method consists of administering to the human in need of treatment, a composition comprising an amount of squalamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective to treat the macular degeneration.
14. The method of any one of claims 1 , 6 or 10 wherein the composition consists essentially of squalamine.
15. The method of any one of claims 1 , 6 or 10 wherein the composition consists of squalamine.
16. The method of any one of claims 1 , 6 or 10 wherein the composition further comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.