PUL-042 could improve successful outcomes of cancer patients who often contract pneumonia given their immune compromised status. Lung infections are caused by a variety of germs (viruses, bacteria, etc). In cancer patients the risk of lung infection is increased, particularly when patients receive treatment that suppresses the ability to fight off infections. The risk is so high that pneumonia is second only to the underlying cancer in causing death in cancer patients. In addition, if pneumonia develops, treatment may be reduced or stopped and patients are often not able to receive the full course of treatment. Leukemia and bone marrow transplant patients are among cancer patients at highest...

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PUL-042 could improve successful outcomes of cancer patients who often contract pneumonia given their immune compromised status. Lung infections are caused by a variety of germs (viruses, bacteria, etc). In cancer patients the risk of lung infection is increased, particularly when patients receive treatment that suppresses the ability to fight off infections. The risk is so high that pneumonia is second only to the underlying cancer in causing death in cancer patients. In addition, if pneumonia develops, treatment may be reduced or stopped and patients are often not able to receive the full course of treatment. Leukemia and bone marrow transplant patients are among cancer patients at highest risk of infection although this risk also extends to other cancer patients. Pulmotect is a Houston based company working closely with Texas partners (MD Anderson, Texas A&M, Baylor) to develop a new treatment given by inhalation to stimulate the lung's innate defenses to fight off viruses and other infectious agents. This program is to complete a Phase 2 clinical trial in leukemia and bone marrow transplant patients who develop infection with certain viruses. If PUL-042 is shown to be effective in reducing pneumonia, further trials including additional at-risk cancer patients and potential approval by the FDA will be justified. The use of PUL-042 could change the way cancer patients are treated by reducing the risk of pneumonia and increasing the likelihood of success of treatments.

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