Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: a patent evaluation of US20150284376A1

Recent clinical studies showed that mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are able to markedly reduce the overall and cardiovascular mortality in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and mild or severe symptoms of chronic heart failure (HF). Beyond cardiac diseases, new indications of MRAs increase exponentially, especially in patients with impaired renal function. Most of the developed mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are now non-steroidal. Identifying so-called "kidney friendly" compounds (i.e. with less renal potassium sparing properties as compared to classical steroidal MRA and therefore better safety profile in at-risk patients) would represent a clear breakthrough and many companies have developed intense patent activities in the field. Area covered: The present article provides an analysis of US20150284376 patent application which discloses non-steroidal compounds. Expert opinion: Of US20150284376 discloses a new class of MRA for which it is too early for determining the relevance in the absence of preclinical studies.