Small-molecule anti-inflammatory drug compositions for the treatment of asthma: a patent review (2013 – 2014)

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic condition affecting 235 million people worldwide, with prevalence continuing to increase. A significant number of patients have poorly controlled asthma but despite this, a new mechanistic class of small-molecule asthma therapy has not emerged over the past 15 years.

Areas covered: In this article, the authors review the published patent literature from 2013 to 2014 that describes the discovery of novel small-molecule anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of asthma. This patent analysis was performed using multiple search engines including SciFinder and Free Patents Online.

Expert opinion: This review highlights that significant research is still directed towards the development of novel anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of asthma. Current standard-of-care therapies are given topically to the lung via an inhaled dose, which the authors believe can offer significant advantages in terms of efficacy and therapeutic index, compared with an oral dose. Several of the patents reviewed disclose preferred compounds and data that suggest an inhaled approach is being specifically pursued. The patents reviewed target a wide range of inflammatory pathways, although none have yet delivered an approved novel medicine for asthma; this gives an indication of both the opportunity and challenge involved in such an endeavor.

Keywords:

• anti-inflammatory
• asthma
• bronchodilation
• inflammation
• inhaled drugs

Declaration of interest

The authors have performed consultancy work in the area of inhaled drug discovery and have an ongoing consultancy agreement with Ziarco Pharma Ltd. P Glossop is a named inventor on one of the patents (WO2014045029) reviewed in this article. G Whitlock is a named inventor on two of the patents (WO2013014567 and WO2014045029) reviewed in this article. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Notes

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