PDE4 inhibitors 1999

The search for novel phosphodiesterase Type 4 (PDE4) inhibitors remains one of the most active fields within the pharmaceutical industry. Recent progr ess within the clinical development of PDE4 inhibitors has seen two more co mpounds progress to Phase III development. However, both Ariflo(TM) (SB-207 499) and roflumilast are being developed principally for the treatment of c hronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rather than asthma. This review also highlights the novel structural classes of PDE4 inhibitors disclosed in the past year's patent applications and the concentration of effort on t he identification of selective PDE4D inhibitors.