Evaluation of US20150011555. An inhaled IP receptor agonist for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease for which IP receptor agonists provide one of the main classes of treatment. Currently available agents tend to lack receptor selectivity.

Areas Covered: Four salts of 7-(2,3-di-p-tolyl-7,8-dihydropyrido[2,3-b]pyrazin-5(6H)-yl)heptanoic acid, crystalline forms and compositions of each of these salts, and their use to treat conditions mediated by IP receptor activation, in particular PAH, are claimed. The claimed salts are particularly suited for delivery via inhalation and inhalation devices for their administration are claimed.

Expert Opinion: This IP receptor agonist represents the first example of selecting a compound to treat PAH that was designed for delivery via inhalation. It indicates Novartis' desire to establish a broad portfolio of respiratory products.