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Drugs Targeting Cough Receptors: New Therapeutic Options in Refractory or Unexplained Chronic Cough

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Abstract

Refractory chronic cough is a disabling disease with very limited therapeutic options. A better understanding of cough pathophysiology has led to the development of emerging drugs targeting cough receptors. Recent strides have illuminated novel therapeutic avenues, notably centred on modulating transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, purinergic receptors, and neurokinin receptors. By modulating these receptors, the goal is to intervene in the sensory pathways that trigger cough reflexes, thereby providing relief without compromising vital protective mechanisms. These innovative pharmacotherapies hold promise for improvement of refractory chronic cough by offering improved efficacy and potentially mitigating adverse effects associated with current recommended treatments. A deeper comprehension of their precise mechanisms of action and clinical viability is imperative for optimising therapeutic interventions and elevating patient care standards in respiratory health. This review delineates the evolving landscape of drug development in this domain, emphasising the significance of these advancements in resha** the paradigm of cough management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), INSERM UMR1291, CNRS UMR5051, University Toulouse III, 31024, Toulouse, France

    Laurent Guilleminault

  2. Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hôpital Larrey, Toulouse University Hospital, 24 chemin de Pouvourville, 31059, Toulouse, France

    Laurent Guilleminault

  3. Exhalomics®, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France

    Stanislas Grassin-Delyle

  4. Département de Biotechnologie de la Santé, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INSERM, Infection et inflammation (2I), U1173, Montigny le Bretonneux, France

    Stanislas Grassin-Delyle

  5. Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Stuart B. Mazzone

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  1. Laurent Guilleminault
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Correspondence to Laurent Guilleminault.

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Prof. Guilleminault reports personal fees from Bayer and MSD. He has participated in clinical trials from Bayer and MSD. He also reports grants, personal fees, and non-financial support from AstraZeneca, personal fees and non-financial support from GSK, personal fees and non-financial support from Novartis, personal fees from Chiesi, and personal fees and non-financial support from Sanofi, outside the submitted work. Prof Grassin-Delyle declares personal fees from MSD and grant support from AstraZeneca and Air Liquide, outside of the submitted work. Prof. Mazzone declares honoraria from Merck, NeRRe Therapeutics, Reckitt Benckiser, Chiesi and Bellus Health and grant support from Merck, Reckitt Benkiser and Bellus Health, outside of the submitted work.

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Laurent Guilleminault was in charge of manuscript design. Laurent Guilleminault has written the introduction and conclusion. Stuart Mazzone has written the section on cough receptors. Stanislas Grassin-Delyle and Laurent Guilleminault has written the section on drugs. All the authors have validated the final version of the manuscript.

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Guilleminault, L., Grassin-Delyle, S. & Mazzone, S.B. Drugs Targeting Cough Receptors: New Therapeutic Options in Refractory or Unexplained Chronic Cough. Drugs (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-024-02047-y

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