[Neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists--between hope and disappointment]

Substance P (SP)/Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor pathways have been repeatedly implicated in the pathophysiology of central, pulmonary, and gastric disorders. A large body of evidence that has been generated from animal experiments indicates that treatment with selective NK1 receptor antagonists might be effective in the treatment of certain forms of disorders, analgesia, depression, migraine, asthma, or gastrointestinal disorders. Accordingly, numerous NK1 receptor antagonists have either been synthesized and are under clinical development, or have already been tested in clinical trials. However, the initial encouraging clinical results were followed by repeated demonstration of a lack of effectiveness. Up to now, only one NK1 receptor antagonist, aprepitant, is available for therapeutical use. Aprepitant is a selective high-affinity human SP/NK1 receptor antagonist approved by the FDA in 2003. Aprepitant is indicated for prophylaxis of acute- and delayed-phase nausea and emesis caused by chemotherapy regimens. It is used in combination with a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT3) antagonist and a corticosteroid. It is the first antiemetic agent that acts by binding the NK1 receptor. Research continues and novel molecules may show better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and, therefore, may achieve therapeutic success.