Mucoactive drugs and multiple applications in pulmonary disease therapy.

Mucus is a complex polymeric hydrogel that serves as a critical defense in several organs. In the lungs, it provides a formidable barrier against inhaled particles such as microorganisms. In addition, mucus is essential for normal lung physiology, as it promotes immune tolerance and facilitates a normal commensal pulmonary microbiome.

Phosphonodithioester-Amine Coupling as a Key Reaction Step for the Design of Cationic Amphiphiles Used for Gene Delivery.

A convergent synthesis of cationic amphiphilic compounds is reported here with the use of the phosphonodithioester-amine coupling (PAC) reaction. This versatile reaction occurs at room temperature without any catalyst, allowing binding of the lipid moiety to a polar head group. This strategy is illustrated with the use of two lipid units featuring either two oleyl chains or two-branched saturated lipid chains.