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

FUT-175 (6-amidino-2-naphthyl p-guanidinobenzoate dimethanesulphonate), a new synthetic protease inhibitor, was administrated to (NZB x 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.