Bambuterol is an active precursor of the selective beta2-adrenergic agonist terbutaline. Bambuterol is the bis-N,N-dimethyl-carbamate of terbutaline. Bambuterol is a remarkably selective and potent inhibitor of cholinesterase. BAMBEC (Bambuterol hydrochloride) oral solution or tablets are indicated for the management of asthma, bronchospasm and/or reversible airways obstruction.

Hexoprenaline is a selective beta2-adrenoreceptor agonist indicated for use in the treatment of bronchospasm associated with obstructive airways diseases, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. In many countries the drug is used as tocolytic agent (under the trade name gynipral).

Masitinib is a new orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets mast cells and macrophages, important cells for immunity, through inhibiting a limited number of kinases. Based on its unique mechanism of action, masitinib can be developed in a large number of conditions in oncology, in inflammatory diseases, and in certain diseases of the central nervous system. In oncology due to its immunotherapy effect, masitinib can have an effect on survival, alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Through its activity on mast cells and consequently the inhibition of the activation of the inflammatory process, masitinib can have an effect on the symptoms associated with some inflammatory and central nervous system diseases and the degeneration of these diseases. AB Science is developing masitinib in multiple sclerosis and alzheimer's disease. Masitinib targets kinases, including c-Kit, PDGFR, and Lyn. It is used in the treatment of mast cell tumors in animals, specifically dogs. Since its introduction in November 2008 it has been distributed under the commercial name Masivet. It has been available in Europe since the second part of 2009. In the USA it is distributed under the name Kinavet.

Zardaverine (6-(4-difluoromethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3[2H]pyridazinone) is a dual-selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase III/IV was developed as a potential therapeutic agent for asthma. Zardaverine has been shown to inhibit inflammatory cell function, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and T-cell proliferation and exert a positive inotropic action on the heart muscle. In animals, zardaverine exhibits both bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory activities. In order to study the efficacy and safety in man, Zardaverine has been tested in clinical trials for the treatment COPD and asthma. Zardaverine has a modest and short-lasting bronchodilatory effect in patients with asthma. However, due to its fast elimination, the development of zardaverine was terminated in 1991.

Vitexin, identified as apigenin-8-C-β-D-glucopyranoside, is a flavonoid compound found in Anthurium versicolor, Ficaria verna Huds. (Ranunculaceae), Cucumis sativus L. (Cucurbitaceae), and Acer palmatum (Aceraceae). Vitexin is an active component of many traditional Chinese medicines. Vitexin has recently received increased attention due to its wide range of pharmacological effects, including but not limited to anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperalgesic, and neuroprotective effects.

A potent, selective and orally active receptor antagonist of leukotriene D4, verlukast (MK-571), was discovered and developed from a styrylquinoline lead structure based on a hypothetical model of the leukotriene D4 receptor. MK-571 blocks the action of LTD4 in animals and man, and is effective in a number of animal models of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction at plasma concentration at or below 2 ug/mL. MK-571 also blocks antigen-induced asthmatic responses in man. MK-571 is a potent and selective leukotriene D4 (LTD4) antagonist and ABCC multidrug resistance protein 1(MRP1) inhibitor. The cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4, mediate their actions through two distinct G-protein coupled receptors. LTD4 is the preferred ligand for the CysLT1 receptor, whereas LTC4 and LTD4 bind with approximately equal affinity to the CysLT2 receptor. MK-571 is a selective, orally active CysLT1 receptor antagonist. It blocks the binding of LTD4, but not LTC4, to human and guinea pig lung membranes with Ki values of 0.22 nM and 2.1 nM, respectively. MK-571 effectively blocks LTD4 activation of recombinant human and mouse CysLT1 receptors but is ineffective at blocking LTC4 or LTD4 activation of the recombinant human or murine CysLT2 receptors.

Deptropine citrate is a well-known H1-histamine receptor antagonist and muscarinic receptor antagonist. It is prescribed frequently for treatment of asthma, although there has been a sharp decrease in prescriptions since 1994. Deptropine is gradually being replaced by inhaled beta 2 adrenergic agonists and glucocorticosteroids as the preferred clinical prescription. Recently deptropine has garnered interest as a potential treatment for breast cancer. In vitro studies have shown deptropine citrate has inhibitory effects on cell viability and mammosphere formation in Breast Cancer Stem Cells (BCSCs). However, it does not seem to inhibit the self-renewal capacity of the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 when it is enriched with Cancer Stem Cells.

Oxitropium bromide (trade names Oxivent, Tersigan) is a bronchodilator indicated for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Oxitropium’s bronchodilation effect is similar to that of ipratropium bromide, but oxitropium is longer-lasting. The usual dose is 200 ug, 2–3 times daily. It blocks the muscarinic cholinergic receptors which mediate smooth muscle contraction in the airways. The manufacturer claims that regular use of oxitropium (200μg twice or three times daily) reduces the incidence of symptoms, including the need for night-time bronchodilators, and improves lung function in some patients; it is not intended for immediate symptom relief. Although widely used for many years (alone or in combination with short-acting beta agonists) for both maintenance treatment of stable disease and exacerbation of airway obstruction, Boehringer Ingelheim announced the discontinuation of Oxivent formulations at May 2004.

Israpafant (also known as Y-24180) is a drug which acts as a selective antagonist for the platelet-activating factor receptor, and was originally developed for the treatment of asthma. Its chemical structure is a thienotriazolodiazepines, closely related to the sedative benzodiazepine derivative etizolam. However, israpafant binds far more tightly to the platelet-activating factor receptor, with an IC50 of 0.84nM for inhibiting PAF-induced human platelet aggregation, while it binds only weakly to benzodiazepine receptors, with a Ki of 3680nM. Israpafant has been found to inhibit the activation of eosinophil cells and consequently delays the development of immune responses. It has also been shown to have anti-nephrotoxic properties and to mobilize calcium transport.

The anticholinergic agent Flutropium is a classic competitive antagonist of acetylcholine. In in vitro experiments it is more effective than atropine. A poor enteral absorption is to be expected; this can be concluded from the low relative effectiveness after oral administration. After local administration as an aerosol it is superior to atropine with regard to both effectiveness and duration of action. It is used in Japan to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Flutropium can be described as a preparation which is free of side effects.