Ensifentrine Drug for Reducing COPD Flare-Ups

This patent describes using the drug ensifentrine to reduce how often and how severe flare-ups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are in patients.

What it covers

This patent focuses on using the compound ensifentrine, or a similar salt form of it, to help patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Specifically, the invention aims to decrease the frequency and/or severity of COPD exacerbations. An exacerbation is a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms, like increased shortness of breath or coughing. For example, a patient with COPD who frequently experiences severe breathing crises could be given ensifentrine to make these events happen less often or be less intense when they do occur.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover using ensifentrine for treating other diseases not related to COPD.
• —Does not cover using other drugs or compounds to treat COPD exacerbations.
• —Does not cover preventing the initial development of COPD in a healthy individual.
• —Does not cover ensifentrine for general, non-exacerbation related COPD symptom management, but specifically targets exacerbations.
• —Does not cover different chemical structures or derivatives of ensifentrine that are not pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

The clever bit

The novelty here lies in the specific application of ensifentrine for decreasing the frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations. While ensifentrine itself might be known, this patent highlights its particular utility in managing these acute worsening events, which are a critical aspect of COPD patient care.

Why it matters

COPD exacerbations are a major cause of hospitalizations and significantly reduce the quality of life for patients. A treatment that can effectively reduce the frequency and severity of these flare-ups would be highly valuable. This could lead to fewer emergency room visits, better overall health for patients, and a reduced burden on healthcare systems.

Real-world examples

• 1.Ensifentrine in clinical trials for COPD
• 2.Future ensifentrine-based medications for COPD exacerbation prevention