Inhaled adenosine A2A receptor agonists for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COPD is a major cause of mortality in the western world. A(2A) agonists are postulated to reduce the lung inflammation that causes COPD. The cardiovascular effects of A(2A) agonists dictate that a compound needs to be delivered by inhalation to be therapeutically useful. A strategy of minimizing side-effect liability by maximizing systemic clearance was followed and pharmacological and pharmacokinetic SAR of a series of inhaled A2A agonists described. A sevenfold improvement in potency and 150-fold reduction in side-effect liability over the lead compound CGS-21680, were obtained. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.