Ultra long-acting beta 2-agonists in development for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
After the discovery of formoterol and salmeterol, new candidates for long-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonists (LABAs) have emerged from various companies. In particular, once-daily beta2-adrenoceptor agonists such as arformoterol, carmoterol, indacaterol, GSK-159797, GSK-597901, 159802, 642444 and 678007 are under development for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The majority of these compounds are (R,R)-isomers in order to control desensitisation and accumulation. Several options for combination products are currently being evaluated in parallel with the development of these ultra LABAs. Once-daily dosing of an ultra LABA would be a significant convenience and probably a compliance-enhancing advantage leading to improved overall clinical outcomes in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The only limits set for the development of a LABA with a new product profile are medical needs and marketing opportunities.
Cazzola
Mario
M
Department of Respiratory Medicine, A. Cardarelli Hospital, Via del Parco Margherita 24, 80121 Naples, Italy. mcazzola@qubisoft.it
Matera
Maria Gabriella
MG
Lötvall
Jan
J
D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D018343:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / Q000378:metabolism
D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D018343:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2