Use of melagatran

Abstract

According to the invention there is provided the use of melagatran, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of inflammation.

1 . The use of melagatran, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of inflammation.  
     
     
         2 . The use of melagatran, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof, in the manufacture of an antiinflammatory medicament.  
     
     
         3 . A method of treatment of inflammation which comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of melagatran, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof, to a patient in need of such treatment.  
     
     
         4 . A pharmaceutical formulation for use in the treatment of inflammation comprising an effective amount of melagatran, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof.  
     
     
         5 . Use of melagatran, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof, for the treatment of inflammation by administering melagatran, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof, to a patient.  
     
     
         6 . The use of melagatran, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof, in the treatment of inflammation.  
     
     
         7 . A use, method or formulation as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the treatment is of inflammation in patients with, or at risk of, a disease in which inhibition of thrombin is desired or required.  
     
     
         8 . A use, method or formulation as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the disease is one in which inflammation plays a part in triggering coagulation.  
     
     
         9 . A use, method or formulation as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the patient has, or is at risk of, a thrombus.  
     
     
         10 . A use, method or formulation as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the prodrug is the formula  
         R 1 O 2 C—CH 2 —(R)Cgl-Aze-Pab-OH  wherein R 1  represents linear or branched C 1-6  alkyl and the OH group replaces one of the amidino hydrogens in Pab.    
     
     
         11 . A use, method or formulation as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein R 1  represents methyl, ethyl or propyl.  
     
     
         12 . A method of treatment of pancreatitis, which comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of melagatran, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof, to a patient in need of such treatment.