Bronchopneumology

Andolast (CR2039) is an airway-specific anti-inflammatory agent acting as a calcium (Ca2+)-activated potassium (K+) channel modulator. Ca2+-activated K+ channels are expressed in airway inflammatory cells, nerves, ad smooth muscle cells. Their modulation may reduce neurogenic inflammation, pro-inflammatory cell recruitment, and cytokine production (events of major importance in airway chronic inflammatory diseases such as bronchial asthma and COPD). Andolast is formulated in a dry powder inhalatory (DPI) form and prevented bronchial hyper-responsiveness to specific and non-specific stimuli in several phase IIa studies in asthmatic patients. A large phase IIb trial showed efficacy and safety in mild/moderate asthma. Phase III clinical trials have been designed to confirm its therapeutic profile.
In the same field, the leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist CR3465 has completed preclinical development to enter Phase I clinical studies for further development.