MIF Inhibitors

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) is a potent, proinflammatory cytokine that has been shown to stimulate an immune response in the presence of steroids and other immune suppressants. MIF has also been shown to play a role in the cytokine cascades involved in certain inflammatory diseases and to inhibit the activity of p53, an important tumor suppressor in cancer. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated that MIF-neutralizing antibodies can provide beneficial effects in various disease states. Blocking the production or bioactivity of MIF, therefore, may be useful in the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases.

CPSI licensed worldwide rights to anti-MIF antibody applications of its MIF technology to Baxter Healthcare in 2003. CPSI currently has a small molecule MIF inhibitor in preclinical development and is seeking licensing partners for its anti-MIF receptor and soluble MIF receptor antagonist technologies.