Protective effect by UCB JO28 against histamine and methacholine induced bronchial hyperreactivity

UCB JO28 [( 2-[2-[4-(diphenylmethylene)-1-piperidinyl] ethoxy] ethoxy] acetic acid, hydrochloride) is derived from diphenylmethylene piperidine. Animal experiments have shown that it has spasmolytic properties for smooth muscle, particularly in the bronchi, as well as anti-Hl, anticholinergic and anti-serotonin activities. The degree of protection by JO28 against histamine and methacholine-induced bronchospasm has been investigated in 20 asthmatic patients with serious airways hyper-reactivity. Protection against histamine-induced bronchospasm was almost complete in 11 out of 12 patients, whereas protection against methacholine-induced bronchospasm, although clearly present in seven of eight patients, was less marked.