Clarithromycin or a salt thereof for the treatment or prevention of pulmonary disorders caused by the destruction of pulmonary alveoli

Abstract

For the purpose of treatment and/or prevention of pulmonary disorders caused by the destruction of pulmonary alveoli resulting from smoking, air pollution, noxious gas, etc., there are provided, among others, a method of administering clarithromycin or a salt thereof to a mammal and a pharmaceutical composition comprising clarithromycin or a salt thereof.

1 . A method for treating or preventing a pulmonary disorder caused by the destruction of pulmonary alveoli in a mammal in need of such treatment or prevention, the method comprising administering to the mammal, an effective amount of clarithromycin or a salt thereof.  
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the pulmonary disorder is pulmonary emphysema or a pulmonary emphysema condition.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the pulmonary emphysema condition is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  
   
   
       4 . A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of a pulmonary disorder caused by the destruction of pulmonary alveoli comprising an effective amount of clarithromycin or a salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
   
   
       5 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 4 , wherein the pulmonary disorder is pulmonary emphysema or a pulmonary emphysema condition.  
   
   
       6 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 5 , wherein the pulmonary emphysema condition is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  
   
   
       7 . A therapeutic or prophylactic agent for a pulmonary disorder caused by the destruction of pulmonary alveoli comprising as an effective ingredient, clarithromycin or a salt thereof.  
   
   
       8 . The use of clarithromycin or a salt thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a pulmonary disorder caused by the destruction of pulmonary alveoli.