Progress towards novel adenosine receptor therapeutics gleaned from the recent patent literature.
BACKGROUND
The principle of treating disease with selective adenosine receptor ligands has been demonstrated with drugs on the market, while the lesser understood receptor subtypes are still being probed with new and drug-like pharmaceutical tools. The field of adenosine receptor research is, therefore, highly important as an emerging and proven point of intervention in disease.


METHODS
From 2008 to 2009, > 120 primary patent applications have claimed adenosine receptor ligands, which we analyze by applicant and target. Particularly significant disclosures are described in detail, paying particular attention to the biological data marshalled to support the case.


RESULTS
The first published disclosure of new compounds, compound uses or drug targets is often in the patent literature, which can be difficult to trawl, interpret and verify as it is not subject to peer review. We have critically reviewed this area and share our conclusions regarding progress, trends and identification of early tool compounds or compounds of potential clinical significance ahead of peer-reviewed publication.


CONCLUSIONS
Adenosine receptor research is a thriving field with continuing claims of exciting new compounds with high specificity and intriguing examples of new uses for such ligands.
Press
Neil J
NJ
Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Horsham, West Sussex, UK. neil.press@novartis.com
Fozard
John R
JR
D000818:Animals; D015706:Bibliometrics; D015195:Drug Design; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010330:Patents as Topic; D018047:Receptors, Purinergic P1 / Q000187:drug effects*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D008024:Ligands; D018047:Receptors, Purinergic P1