Recent patenting activities in the discovery and development of vasopressin V2 receptor agonists.

INTRODUCTION: Vasopressin V(2) agonists are well known as effective therapies in the treatment of central diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis. Furthermore, given their mode of action, these particular agonists have more recently been considered, in both the pharmaceutical industry and in academia, as viable therapies for urological conditions such as nocturia.

AREAS COVERED: For the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in the discovery and development of vasopressin V(2) agonists. This article provides the reader with information on the recent progress in the discovery and development of these compounds based on patents published from 2002 onward. Specifically, the article looks at the discovery of new non-peptide agonists as well as well as novel formulations of the vasopressin V(2) agonist desmopressin.

EXPERT OPINION: The V(2) receptor is currently one of the hottest therapeutic targets investigated for the treatment of urinary disorders such as nocturia and central diabetes. Over the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in the discovery and development of vasopressin V(2) receptor agonists, for the treatment of these disorders. The author anticipates that these agonists will be launched to market in the not-too-distant future.