Background: In the recent years carbohydrates have significantly regained their role as potent immunomodulators. The common denominator for their mode of action is the modulation of macrophages and related cell types, thereby stimulating or down-regulating the immune defence of the body. An important aspect for this function is the binding of these carbohydrates to a receptor via hydrogen bonds.

The present invention shows that etherified carbohydrates provide a lot of advantages, compared with the underivatized carbohydrates, without loosing any immunomodulatory effects. Those advantages are, inter alia, the increase of bioavailability and the improvement of water-solubility and the lipophilic properties of the compounds.

These modified properties are essential for the use in pharmaceutical preparates, especially in respect of, inter alia, dosage, uptake, distribution and biological half life in the body after administration of the immunomodulatory.

Specifically the invention relates to new etherified carbohydrate derivatives, a method for production thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same and use for the production of a pharmaceutical preparation for treatment of conditions in which macrophages are stimulated or down-regulated.

Below you will find general information regarding this patent family. For detailed information regarding this patent family, please contact our IP Manager, Mr. Alexander Bjørnå.

Priority and priority document: 06.06.97, Patent nr. SE 522410

Members of the patent family:

USA: granted patent nr. US 6,423,832

EPO: granted patent nr. EP0986579 filed in AT, BE, CH, DE, ES, FR, GB, IE, IT

Norway: granted patent nr NO 19995985