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Brovana (ARFORMOTEROL)

Lupin · FDA-approved approved Small molecule Quality 58/100

Brovana works by activating the beta-2 adrenergic receptor to relax airway muscles and improve breathing.

Brovana (Arformoterol) is a small molecule beta2-adrenergic agonist developed by Sunovion and currently owned by Lupin. It targets the beta-2 adrenergic receptor to treat chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive lung disease, and pulmonary emphysema. Brovana was FDA-approved in 2006 and is now off-patent with 17 generic manufacturers. Its long half-life of 26 hours allows for once-daily dosing. As a beta2-agonist, Brovana is a bronchodilator that helps relax airway muscles to improve breathing.

At a glance

Generic nameARFORMOTEROL
SponsorLupin
Drug classbeta2-Adrenergic Agonist
TargetBeta-2 adrenergic receptor
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaCardiovascular
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval2006

Mechanism of action

Arformoterol, the (R,R)-enantiomer of formoterol, is selective long-acting beta2adrenergic receptor agonist (beta2-agonist) that has two-fold greater potency than racemic formoterol (which contains both the (S,S) and (R,R)-enantiomers). The (S,S)-enantiomer is about 1,000-fold less potent as beta2-agonist than the (R,R)-enantiomer. While it is recognized that beta2-receptors are the predominant adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and beta1-receptors are the predominant receptors in the heart, data indicate that there are also beta2receptors in the human heart comprising 10% to 50% of the total beta-adrenergic receptors. The precise function of these receptors has not been established, but they raise the possibility that even highly selective beta2-agonists may have cardiac effects.The pharmacologic effects of beta2-adrenoceptor agonist drugs, including arformoterol, are at least in part attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenyl cyclase, t

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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