Therapeutic use of aerosolized nitrosylating agent in cystic fibrosis

Abstract

The present invention is directed to the treatment of cystic fibrosis that involves administration of a nitrosylating agent, such as S-nitrosoglutathione or ethyl nitrite.

1 . A method for treating cystic fibrosis, said method comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising an S-nitrosothiol to a patient having cystic fibrosis, wherein the composition is formulated as a powder or an aerosol and administered to the nasal mucosa and osteomeatal complex.  
     
     
         2 - 8 . (canceled)  
     
     
         9 . A method for treating cystic fibrosis, said method comprising the step of administering a composition comprising ethyl nitrite to a patient having cystic fibrosis in an amount effective to prevent accumulation of mucus, bronchoconstriction and bacterial growth in the CF airway, as preventive therapy, or an amount to ameliorate bronchoconstriction, mucus plugging and/or bacterial bronchitis/bronchiolitis, as acute therapy, where the composition is formulated as an aerosol and administered to the nasal mucosa and osteomeatal complex.