The present invention relates to methods of using compounds of Formula I,

##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1a, R.sup.1b, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, W, Y, and Z are as described herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are potentiators of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR). The invention also discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, optionally in combination with additional therapeutic agents, and methods of potentiating, in mammals, including humans, CFTR by administration of the compounds. These compounds are useful for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), constipation, Diabetes mellitus, dry eye disease, pancreatitis, rhinosinusitis, Sjögren's Syndrome, and other CFTR associated disorders.

A therapeutic agent for treating airways of a subject comprising one or more types or sizes of particles, each particle comprising in turn a biodegradable enclosure containing a mucolytic or another drug therein. A dispersing apparatus may be used to deliver metered doses of mucolytic and may be configured for self-administration by the subject. Encapsulation of the mucolytic in a liposomal formulation may prevent premature oxidation and maintain drug efficacy upon delivery to a target location in upper or lower respiratory tract.

The invention provides a compound for use in treating or preventing a disease or condition selected from cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, mild pulmonary disease, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, idiopathic bronchiectasis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, sinusitis, rhinosinusitis, CFTR-related metabolic syndrome (CRMS), pancreatitis, idiopathic chronic pancreatitis and Sjörgren's syndrome, or for use in preventing male infertility caused by congenital absence of the vas deferens, in a patient by modulating CFTR activity, which compound is 9,10-dimethoxy-2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylimino)-3-(N-carbamoyl-2-aminoethyl)-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. The invention also provides a composition comprising (i) 9,10-dimethoxy-2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylimino)-3-(N-carbamoyl-2-aminoethyl)-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof and (ii) a leukotriene receptor antagonist. The invention also provides a composition comprising (i) 9,10-dimethoxy-2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylimino)-3-(N-carbamoyl-2-aminoethyl)-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof and (ii) a CFTR potentiator or a CFTR corrector.

Compounds of Formula I: ##STR00001##
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, deuterated derivatives of any of the foregoing, and metabolites of any of the foregoing are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, methods of treating cystic fibrosis using the same, and methods for making the same are also disclosed.

Provided herein are methods, compositions, and uses relating to inhibitors of stem cell factor. For example, provided herein are antibodies targeting stem cell factor and methods for treating fibrotic and tissue remodeling diseases.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a nucleic acid comprising a heterologous nucleic acid insert flanked by interrupted self-complementary sequences, wherein one self-complementary sequence is interrupted by a cross-arm sequence forming two opposing, lengthwise-symmetric stem-loops, and wherein the other of the self-complementary sequences is interrupted by a truncated cross-arm sequence. Methods of delivering the nucleic acid to a cell are also provided.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a nucleic acid comprising a heterologous nucleic acid insert flanked by interrupted self-complementary sequences, wherein one self-complementary sequence is interrupted by a cross-arm sequence forming two opposing, lengthwise-symmetric stem-loops, and wherein the other of the self-complementary sequences is interrupted by a truncated cross-arm sequence. Methods of delivering the nucleic acid to a cell are also provided.

The present invention provides, among other things, compositions and methods of formulating nucleic acid-containing nanoparticles comprising no more than three distinct lipids components, one distinct lipid component being a sterol-based cationic lipid. In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods in which the lipid nanoparticles further comprise helper lipids and PEG-modified lipids. The resulting formulation comprises a high encapsulation percentage for nucleic acids.

The present invention provides, among other things, compositions and methods of formulating nucleic acid-containing nanoparticles comprising no more than three distinct lipids components, one distinct lipid component being a sterol-based cationic lipid. In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods in which the lipid nanoparticles further comprise helper lipids and PEG-modified lipids. The resulting formulation comprises a high encapsulation percentage for nucleic acids.

The present invention provides, among other things, methods of treating cystic fibrosis, comprising a step of administering to a subject in need of treatment a composition comprising an mRNA encoding a Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein, wherein the mRNA encoding the CFTR protein comprises a polynucleotide sequence at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the mRNA is at a concentration of at least 0.4 mg/mL, and wherein the step of administering comprises inhalation.