Fasudil in combination therapies for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are related to novel therapeutic drug combinations and methods for treating and/or preventing pulmonary arterial hypertension and/or stable angina. More particularly, aspects of the present invention are related to therapeutic combinations comprising a Rho-kinase inhibitor, such as fasudil, and one or more additional compounds selected from the group consisting of prostacyclins, such as iloprost, endothelin receptor antagonists, PDE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, 5-HT 2A antagonists, such as sarpogrelate, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine, statins, and vascular remodeling modulators, such as Gleevec.

1 . A therapeutic combination, comprising an effective amount of fasudil and sildenafil. 
     
     
         2 . The therapeutic combination of  claim 1 , wherein the fasudil and sildenafil are formulated independently. 
     
     
         3 . The therapeutic combination of  claim 1 , wherein the fasudil is formulated for administration via inhalation. 
     
     
         4 . The therapeutic combination of  claim 3 , wherein the fasudil is formulated in a dry powder or an aerosolizable solution. 
     
     
         5 . A method for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension in a person in need of such treatment comprising administering a therapeutic combination of fasudil and sildenafil according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the fasudil and sildenafil are administered in separate dosage forms. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the fasudil is administered by inhalation. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the fasudil is administered in a dry powder or an aerosolizable solution.