Peptides as inhibitors of fibrotic matrix accumulation

Abstract

Peptides that inhibit overproduction and/or excess accumulation of extracellular matrix in an organ or tissue are described. The inventive peptides have the general sequence Xa-Leu-Gln-Gly-Xb (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein Xa is selected from Pro-Gly, Gly and Ac-Gly and Xb is selected from Glu and Glu-NH2, and are able of inhibit overproduction and excess accumulation of extracellular matrix in an organ or tissue both as linear peptides and as cyclic peptides. In particular the peptides disclosed herein can be used for treating fibrotic conditions characterized by an excess accumulation of extracellular matrix such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis of the liver, lung fibrosis, chronic respiratory failure, cardiac fibrosis, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, myelofibrosis, and various types of cancers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.