Expert opinion on investigational drugs
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In asthma, most commonly, 'conventional' anti-inflammatory medications represented by inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene inhibitors are effective. In some patients however additional inhibition of the airways inflammation is necessary. Such compounds might be molecules inhibiting specifically certain inflammation pathways and lebrikizumab an anti IL-13 molecule might represent a relevant example as a potential asthma therapy. ⋯ Lebrikizumab demonstrated efficacy in an asthma subset characterized by high serum periostin levels and by heavy eosinophilic inflammation. Phase III data are necessary in order to better position this therapy in asthma including as a potential personalized approach.
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Expert Opin Investig Drugs · Oct 2016
ReviewInvestigational glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists for the treatment of obesity.
Obesity is a worldwide problem predisposing to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and other comorbidities. Lifestyle modification is the first line intervention but adjunctive pharmacotherapy is often required. The GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were developed primarily for T2DM and they also reduce body weight. Liraglutide was approved for the treatment of obesity and other GLP-1RAs are likely to be suitable for this indication. ⋯ The GLP-1RAs offer a welcome addition to obesity pharmacotherapy. They appear to be free of serious adverse effects although uncertainty remains about possible risks of pancreatitis and neoplasms. However, they have frequent gastrointestinal side effects, particularly nausea, which limits their tolerability. Cardiovascular outcome studies in T2DM support their use and this is likely to increase in both T2DM and obesity. Other GLP-1RAs which can be given by subcutaneous injection once weekly or less frequently or by oral administration would have advantages especially if nausea is less frequent than with liraglutide.