Effect of FUT-175, a new synthetic protease inhibitor, on the development of lupus nephritis in (NZB × NZW) F1 mice.

FUT-175 (6-amidino-2-naphthyl p-guanidinobenzoate dimethanesulphonate), a new synthetic protease inhibitor, was administrated to (NZB × NZB) F₁ mice in order to examine its influence on the development of autoimmune diseases. A dose (400 mg/kg of body weight) of FUT-175 has both prophylactic and curative effects on the development of lupus nephritis: mice showed a significantly low percentage of proteinuria, a marked decrease in BUN levels, and the lowest degree of glomerular damages. Dexamethasone had almost the same effect as FUT-175(400 mg/kg), but it was slightly less effective than FUT- 175. These results suggest that the administration of FUT-175 may become a viable strategy for the treatment of human autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]