Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the screening of a non-recombinant cell line capable, under appropriate conditions, of exhibiting an upregulated expression of a target protein, preferably an isoenzyme of PDE4, more preferably PDE4A. The invention also concerns methods for the screening of a candidate molecule that modulates the expression or the activity of human phosphodiesterase 4A. The candidate molecules selected by the screening methods of the invention are potentially useful as therapeutic molecules for diseases caused or regulated by cyclic nucleotide-modulated transduction mechanisms, such as airway disorders like asthma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of the formula and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof, wherein R2 is —CH2NHSO2—A—R3, —CONR10—A1—R11, —X—NR12a—Y—NR13R14 or —CO—NR18—X1—NR12—Y—NR13R14; R19, where R19 is a C-linked, 5-membered aromatic heterocycle containing either (i) from 1 to 4 ring nitrogen atoms or (ii) 1 or 2 ring nitrogen atoms and 1 oxygen or 1 sulphur ring atom, said heterocycle being optionally substituted by C1-C6 alkyl, said C1-C6 alkyl being optionally substituted by phenyl, —OH, C1-C6 alkoxy or —NR20R21 and R1, A, R3, R10, R11, X, R12a, Y, R13, R14, R18, X1, R21 and R22 are as defined in the specification. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of, intermediates used in the preparation of, and compositions containing such compounds and the uses of such compounds as adenosine A2a receptor agonists.

Abstract: This invention is directed to sorbitol dehydrogenase inhibitory compounds of the formula I, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the specification. This invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions containing those compounds and methods of treating or preventing diabetic complications, particularly diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic microangiopathy, diabetic macroangiopathy and diabetic cardiomyopathy by administering such compounds to a mammal suffering from diabetes and therefore at risk for developing such complications. This invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of a compound of formula I of this invention with an aldose reductase inhibitor and to methods of treating or preventing diabetic complications therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel pyridazinone compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising those compounds and to methods of using such compounds and compositions to inhibit aldose reductase, lower sorbitol levels and, thus, lower fructose levels, and/or treat or prevent diabetic complications such as diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic microangiopathy and diabetic macroangiopathy in mammals. This invention also relates to methods of affording cardioprotection to subjects not suffering from diabetes. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising a combination of an aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI) of this invention and a sorbitol dehydrogenase inhibitor and to methods of using such compositions or kits to treat or prevent the above diabetic complications in mammals.

Abstract: This invention relates to [4-oxo-(5-trifluoromethyl-benzothiazol-2-ylmethyl)-3,4-dihydro-phthalazin-1-yl]-acetic acid ethanolamine salt, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of treating diabetic complications in mammals comprising administering to said mammals said salt and said compositions. This invention is also directed to combinations of said diethylamine salt with NHE-1 inhibitors, selective serotonin retuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors (GPIs), sorbitol dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDIs) and antihypertensive agents. Said combinations are useful in treating diabetic complications in mammals.

Abstract: This application is directed to compounds useful as inhibitors of PDE4 in the treatment of diseases regulated by the activation and degranulation of eosinophils, especially asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructuive pulmonary disease, of the formula: where Y is ═C(R1a)— or —[N□(O)k]— where k is 0 or 1; G1 is a saturated or unsaturated carbon ring system that is a 3- to 7-membered monocyclic, or that is a 7- to 12-membered, fused polycyclic; provided that G1 is not a discontinuous or restricted biaryl moiety as defined under G2; where optionally one carbon atom may be replaced by a heteroatom selected from N, O, and S; where optionally a second carbon atom thereof, and further optionally a third carbon atom thereof may be replaced by N; —G2 is a saturated or unsaturated carbon ring system that is a 3- to 7-membered monocyclic; or that is a 7- to 12-membered, fused polycyclic; or that is a 7- to 18-membered discontinuous or restricted bi

Abstract: This application is directed to a compound of Formula I wherein a, X, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined herein, useful in the treatment of respiratory, allergic, rheumatoid, body weight regulation, inflammatory and central nervous system disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, adult respiratory diseases syndrome, shock, fibrosis, pulmonary hypersensitivity, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, weight control, rheumatoid arthritis, cachexia, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, arthritic conditions and other inflammatory diseases, depression, multi-infarct dementia and AIDS.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising an aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI), a prodrug thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said ARI or said prodrug and a selective COX-2 inhibitor, a prodrug thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said selective COX-2 inhibitor or said prodrug. This invention further relates to methods of using those pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diabetic complications such as diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of diazepinoindoles of the formula (I): in which A is aryl or nitrogen-containing heteroaryl, and B is a hydroxyl or amino radical, for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising combinations of a GABA agonist, a prodrug thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said GABA agonist or said prodrug and a SDI, a prodrug thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said SDI or said prodrug, kits containing such combinations and methods of using such combinations to treat mammals, including humans, suffering from diabetic complications such as diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic microangiopathy, diabetic macroangiopathy, cataracts or foot ulcers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of the class of purin-2-ylcarboxamides, useful as anti-inflammatory agents, having the formula: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof; wherein R1 is H, C1-C 6 alkyl or C3-C7 cycloalkyl, each optionally substituted by 1 or 2 of hydroxyl, fluorenyl, or optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl ; A is a bond or C1-C6 alkylene; R2 is (i) H, C1-C6 alkyl, or optionally substituted C3-C7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, or naphthyl; or (ii) when A is C2-C6 alkylene, —NR3R3, —OR3, —COOR3, —OCOR4, —SO2R4, —CN, —SO2NR3R4, —NR3SO2R4, —NR3COR4 or —CONR3R3; or (iii) a C-linked, 4 to 11 membered, mono or bicyclic heterocycle having either from 1 to 4 ring nitrogen atom(s) or 1 or 2 nitrogen and 1 oxygen or 1 sulphur ring atoms, said heterocycle being optionally C-substituted or N-substituted; or (iv) when A is C2-C6 alkylene, optionally substituted N-linked azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyl,

Abstract: This invention relates to tetrazoles and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts which are selective agonists for the delta opioid receptor, particularly useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, disorders or respiratory function, gastrointestinal disorders such as functional bowel disease and functional GI disorders, of formula (I) wherein R1 is H, C2-C6 alkanoyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, (C3-C7 cycloalkyl)-(C1-C4 alkyl), (C1-C4 alkoxy)-(C1-C4 alkyl), carboxy-(C1-C4 alkyl), aryl-(C1-C4 alkyl) or heteroaryl-(C1-C4 alkyl); R2 and R3 are each independently H or C1-C4 alkyl; R4 is selected from (i) H, (ii) a group of the formula R6—(CH2)m—Z—(CH2)n—, where m is 0, 1, 2 or 3, n is 1, 2 or 3, Z is a direct link or O, and R6 is —CO2H or —CO2(C1-C4 alkyl), and (iii) a group of formula (a) where R7 is H or C1-C4 alkyl; and R5 is hydroxy, C1-C4 alkoxy or &mda

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising an aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI), a prodrug thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said ARI or said prodrug and a selective COX-2 inhibitor, a prodrug thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said selective COX-2 inhibitor or said prodrug. This invention further relates to methods of using those pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diabetic complications such as diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel nucleic acid sequences encoding three novel human phosphodiesterase (hPDE IV) isozymes. It also relates to polypeptides encoded by such sequences. This invention also relates to an assay method for detecting the presence of such novel isozymes in human cells, and to a method of identifying compounds or other substances that inhibit or modify the activity of such isozymes.

Abstract: This invention relates to mutual prodrugs of amlodipine and atorvastatin and to pharmaceutical compositions thereof. This invention also relates to methods of treating angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, and hypertension and hyperlipidemia in a mammal using those prodrugs and compositions. This invention also relates to methods of managing cardiac risk in a mammal, including humans, presenting with symptoms of cardiac risk by administering those prodrugs and compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to pharmaceutical combinations of amlodipine or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof and atorvastatin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, kits containing such combinations and methods of using such combinations to treat subjects suffering from angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, combined hypertension and hyperlipidemia and to treat subjects presenting with symptoms of cardiac risk, including humans. This invention also relates to additive and synergistic combinations of amlodipine and atorvastatin whereby those synergistic combinations are useful in treating subjects suffering from angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, combined hypertension and hyperlipidemia and those subjects presenting with symptoms of cardiac risk, including humans.

Abstract: This invention is directed to sorbitol dehydrogenase inhibitory compounds of the formula I, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the specification. This invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions containing those compounds and methods of treating or preventing diabetic complications, particularly diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic microangiopathy, diabetic macroangiopathy and diabetic cardiomyopathy by administering such compounds to a mammal suffering from diabetes and therefore at risk for developing such complications. This invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of a compound of formula I of this invention with an aldose reductase inhibitor and to methods of treating or preventing diabetic complications therewith.

Abstract: Spirolaxine, the compound of formula (I) wherein R is H, and the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein R is (C1-C5) alkyl or CH3(CH2)nCO and n is 1, 2, 3 or 4 are useful in treating gastroduodenal diseases such as gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer caused by Helicobacter pylori. Spirolaxine and spirolaxine methyl ether are isolated from the fermentation of Sporotrichum pruinosum ATCC 74278. Spirolaxine and the compounds of formula (I) are also useful in combination with H2 antagonist, colloidal bismuth subcitrate and other antibiotics.

Abstract: Optically pure thiazolidinedione alcohols and ethers, and synthetic intermediates for preparing said alcohols and ethers. These compounds have utility as hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic agents.

Abstract: This invention is directed to compounds of the formula and the pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, where the substituents are as defined in the Specification, which are growth hormone secretogogues and which increase the level of endogenous growth hormone. The compounds of this invention are useful for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, congestive heart failure, frailty associated with aging, obesity; accelerating bone fracture repair, attenuating protein catabolic response after a major operation, reducing cachexia and protein loss due to chronic illness, accelerating wound healing, or accelerating the recovery of burn patients or patients having undergone major surgery; improving muscle strength, mobility, maintenance of skin thickness, metabolic homeostasis or renal homeostasis.