Evaluation of PDE4 inhibition for COPD

Desuo Wang, Xiangli Cui

South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, SC, USA

Abstract: Targeting type 4 phosphodiesterase (PDE4) for treatment of COPD has multilevel benefits to patients by reducing inflammation, relieving bronchoconstriction, and improving pulmonary circulation. The isoenzyme-specific narrow spectrum PDE4 inhibitors such as cilomilast and roflumilast may have limited clinical efficacy in managing severe and very severe COPD. Development of dual therapy by combining PDE4 inhibition with Ca²⁺ channel antagonism may introduce an effective novel armory for physicians to manage patients with severe COPD.

Keywords: COPD, type 4 phosphodiesterase, cilomilast, roflumilast