15th anniversary of rebamipide: Looking ahead to the new mechanisms and new applications

Rebamipide, a gastroprotective drug, was developed in Japan for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. It was proven superior to the former same category drug cetraxate in a randomized, controlled, double-blind, comparative clinical study in 1989. Rebamipide's mechanisms of actions are different from anti-secretory drugs; it accelerates and improves the quality of ulcer healing and reduces ulcer recurrence rate. Numerous studies have been conducted to explain the mechanisms responsible for these actions, 37 papers were published by 1998. Major properties of rebamipide include: stimulation of prostaglandin and mucus glycoprotein synthesis, inhibition of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and inhibition of neutrophils activation. Since 1998, 107 papers were published, clarifying further effects of rebamipide on cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E receptors, growth factors (i.e., HGF, EGF, and VEGF), heat-shock proteins, nitric oxide, adhesion molecules, neutrophils, and Helicobacterpylori- and NSAID-related pathology. Moreover, inhibitory action of rebamipide on gastric cancer growth has also been shown. In this issue we reviewed recent advances in understanding of rebamipide's mechanism of action and its newest clinical applications.