Discovery and preclinical research

2006 saw the generation of potential lead compounds for the new class of MABAs, bifunctional molecules that possess both M3 antagonist and ß2 agonist activities, with promising prospects for the treatment of asthma and COPD.
CHF 5074 (γ secretase inhibitor) started testing in an animal model for the treatment of Alzheimer disease. It is expected that inhibition of the enzyme implicated in the generation of ß amyloid plaques could limit their number / dimension, with potential positive effects on the decay of cognitive functions.

Moreover, two lead compounds were identified for progression into preclinical development for respiratory pathologies. CHF 5480 (PDE4 inhibitor) is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent potentially indicated for the reatment of asthma and COPD.

It is anticipated that its peculiar biochemical selectivity and its mode of administration (inhalation) will prevent the occurrence of typical PDE4 inhibitor adverse reactions.
CHF 5407 (M3 muscarinic receptor antagonist, potentially indicated for the treatment of COPD) has completed preclinical development and is being proposed for clinical proof of concept. Additionally, preclinical development was initiated for a new synthetic surfactant agent for the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in premature neonates.