T-type calcium channels inhibitors: a patent review

Importance of the field: T-type calcium channels are transmembrane proteins that regulate calcium entry in the cell in a voltage-dependent manner. Intracellular calcium levels are the key to many physiological processes, ranging from neuron firing to cardiac pacemaking. Inhibition of T-type calcium channels is heralded as a potential treatment to peripheral and CNS disorders, including hypertension, heart failure, sleep, epilepsy, drug addiction and neuropathic pain. Areas covered in this review: A comprehensive summary of patent literature disclosing T-type calcium channels inhibitors is provided. What the reader will gain: In all, 46 patent applications including 15 chemical structure classes are reviewed. Available in vitro, in vivo and clinical results are also discussed. Take home message: Several selective T-type calcium channels inhibitors with demonstrated in vitro and in vivo effects, including one Phase I clinical candidate, are now available. While future clinical results will be paramount to assess target validity in patients, these novel inhibitors represent excellent tools to further investigate the role of T-type channels in pathophysiological conditions.