Promising results for new approach to airways disease

摘要

PROMISING results have been seen in exploratory clinical trials with a new drug that combines bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory activity (Lancet Respiratory Medicine online 25 October 2013). RPL554 is a dual phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) and PDE4 inhibitor. Four small proof-of-concept trials have been carried out in the UK, Italy and the Netherlands to assess the safety and efficacy of the drug, given by inhalation. Overall, 39 healthy volunteers, 28 patients with asthma and 12 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were studied. The trials showed "substantial bronchodilator, bronchopro-tector and anti-inflammatory effects", with no evidence of clinically relevant side effects.