Methods and reagents for the treatment of inflammatory disorders

Abstract

The invention features a method for treating an immunoinflammatory administering a compound of formula (I), e.g., ibudilast or KC-764, alone or in combination with a corticosteroid, tetra-substituted pyrimidopyrimidine, or other compound. The invention also features pharmaceutical compositions including the combination above for the treatment or prevention of an immunoinflammatory disorder.

1 . A composition comprising:
 (i) ibudilast; and   (ii) loteprednol etabonate,   
       wherein said ibudilast and said loteprednol etabonate are present in amounts that together are sufficient to decrease proinflammatory cytokine secretion or production or to treat an immunoinflammatory disorder when administered to a patient. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising an NSAID, COX-2 inhibitor, biologic, small molecule immunomodulator, DMARD, xanthine, anticholinergic compound, beta receptor agonist, bronchodilator, non-steroidal immunophilin-dependent immunosuppressant, vitamin D analog, psoralen, retinoid, or 5-amino salicylic acid. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is formulated for topical administration. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is formulated for systemic administration. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is formulated for ocular administration. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said ibudilast and said loteprednol etabonate are present in synergistic amounts that together are sufficient to decrease proinflammatory cytokine secretion or production or to treat an immunoinflammatory disorder when administered to a patient 
     
     
         7 . A method for treating an immunoinflammatory disorder in a patient in need thereof, said method comprising administering to the patient the composition of  claim 1  in an amount sufficient to treat said disorder. 
     
     
         8 . A kit, comprising:
 (i) a composition comprising ibudilast and loteprednol etabonate; and   (ii) instructions for administering said composition to a patient diagnosed with or at risk of developing an immunoinflammatory disorder.   
     
     
         9 . A kit, comprising:
 (i) ibudilast;   (ii) loteprednol etabonate; and   (iii) instructions for administering said ibudilast and said loteprednol etabonate to a patient diagnosed with or at risk of developing an immunoinflammatory disorder.   
     
     
         10 . A kit comprising (i) ibudilast and (ii) instructions for administering said ibudilast and loteprednol etabonate to a patient diagnosed with or at risk of developing an immunoinflammatory disorder. 
     
     
         11 . A kit comprising (i) loteprednol etabonate and (ii) instructions for administering said loteprednol etabonate and ibudilast to a patient diagnosed with or at risk of developing an immunoinflammatory disorder.