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Ensifentrine (RPL554): an inhaled ‘bifunctional’ dual PDE3/4 inhibitor for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

    Mario Cazzola

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: mario.cazzola@uniroma2.it

    Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy

    ,
    Clive Page

    Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK

    ,
    Luigino Calzetta

    Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy

    &
    Maria Gabriella Matera

    Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.4155/ppa-2018-0030

    Ensifentrine (RPL554), an inhaled ‘bifunctional’ dual phosphodiesterase 3/4 inhibitor that exhibits both bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory activities, provides a new option in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other inflammatory airway diseases that are under clinical development. Ensifentrine appears to be initially under development for the treatment of COPD although it is not yet clear whether it should be understood as an add-on therapy in patients for the treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD or for the regular maintenance treatment of patients either alone, or on top of existing drug classes.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

    References

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