Expert opinion on investigational drugs
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Expert Opin Investig Drugs · Sep 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyComparison between the antiproteinuric effects of the calcium channel blockers benidipine and cilnidipine in combination with angiotensin receptor blockers in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease.
Benidipine, an L-/T-type calcium channel blocker, dilates renal efferent and afferent arterioles and reduces glomerular pressure; therefore, it may exert renoprotective effects. We conducted an open-labeled randomized trial to compare the effects of benidipine with cilnidipine in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). ⋯ The addition of benidipine as well as cilnidipine reduces urinary protein excretion in hypertensive patients with CKD who are already being administered ARBs.
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Expert Opin Investig Drugs · Sep 2010
ReviewNew small molecules for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a slowly ongoing neuronal death, which affects neurotransmitter metabolism and causes a wide variety of motor and non-motor features. Until now, therapy approaches have predominantly focused on motor behavior associated with dopamine substitution. ⋯ In the past, research pitfalls have resulted in the failure of promising new compounds. Among the many reasons for this are massive placebo responses; the participation of too many investigators, with consequent wide variations of efficacy assessments; and a misconception of preclinical drug development, with models of PD that do not mimic its clinical nature. A few compounds are now being tested that have modes of action indirectly modulating the dopamine system; however, critical analysis of the preclinical and clinical research concept and drug approval is warranted to prevent further frustration in this field.
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Neuropathic pain remains a condition that is difficult to treat and with which therapeutic failure is not uncommon. The need for new and effective drugs to treat neuropathic pain remains strong. ⋯ The data relating to the pain relieving effect of lacosamide are sparse. The majority of the published human data relate to the use of lacosamide for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy where the extent of pain relief produced has not been deemed sufficient to warrant an application for a product license for this indication. That said, it is suggested that there remains merit in further investigation of this drug for other neuropathic pain conditions.