Is there a need for emerging drugs for the acute respiratory distress syndrome?

Abstract

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common and devastating syndrome of acute respiratory failure for which little effective pharmacotherapy exists. The authors describe some interventions that show promise as potential therapies for this condition, with particular reference to clinically relevant human models of ARDS. Aspirin, mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells, keratinocyte growth factor, IFN-β and oncostatin M inhibition are discussed.

Keywords::

• acute respiratory distress syndrome
• aspirin
• IFN-β
• mesenchymal stromal cells
• oncostatin M