Neurokinin receptor antagonists

Studies on tachykinin peptides and the corresponding neurokinin receptors ( NKr) have increased dramatically recently due to the discovery of selective , orally-active, metabolically stable and sometimes CNS penetrating NKr ant agonists. After demonstrating the potential use for NKr antagonists in anim al models, some compounds have recently progressed into clinical trials and a few results have been published. NKr antagonists have demonstrated effic acy for the treatment of emesis and depression, while results in other area s have been disappointing. Nonetheless, this area is coming to the exciting time of proof of concept in humans. Demonstration of the: involvement of t achykinin peptides in biological functions continues to grow, as do the pot ential indications for NKr antagonists. More drug candidates are undergoing clinical trials for various conditions and these results could widen the p otential use for NKr antagonists.