Forskning

April 15, 2013

Adenosine receptors as drug targets – what are the challenges

J F Chen et al, 2013, Adenosine receptors as drug targets – what are the challenges, Nature Reviews/Drug Discovery, Volume 12.

Professor Fredholm one of the authors. (for ISIC SC information)

ABSTRACT
Adenosine signalling has long been a target for drug development, with adenosine itself or its derivatives being used clinically since the 1940s. In addition, methylxanthines such as caffeine have profound biological effects as antagonists at adenosine receptors. Moreover, drugs such as dipyridamole and methotrexate act by enhancing the activation of adenosine receptors. There is strong evidence that adenosine has a functional role in many diseases, and several pharmacological compounds specifically targeting individual adenosine receptors , either directly or indirectly, have now entered the clinic. However, only one adenosine receptor-specific agent – the adenosine A2A regadenoson (Lexiscan; Astellas Pharma) — has so far gained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here, we focus on the biology of adenosine signalling to identify hurdles in the development of additional pharmacological compounds targeting adenosine receptors and discuss strategies to overcome these challenges.