Pharmacological profile of β3-adrenoceptor agonists in clinical development for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2013 Mar;386(3):177-83. doi: 10.1007/s00210-012-0824-1. Epub 2012 Dec 21.

Abstract

β(3)-Adrenoceptor agonists are an emerging drug class for the treatment of the overactive bladder syndrome, and clinical proof-of-concept data have been obtained for three representatives of this class, mirabegron, ritobegron, and solabegron. We review here the pharmacological profile of these three drugs and discuss the potential clinical relevance of differences between them. In the absence of direct comparative studies, it appears that all three are strong agonists selective for β(3)- vs. β(1)- and β(2)-adrenoceptors in studies with cloned receptor subtypes. The potency of these agonists may be species-dependent, with all three having high potency in the human detrusor. All three agonists were effective in one or more animal models of bladder dysfunction, which typically involved reductions of micturition frequency. Agonist doses effective for bladder function lowered blood pressure in some cases, but the relevance of this for clinical use is difficult to determine due to species differences in the importance of cardiovascular β(3)-adrenoceptors. While limited effects on other organ systems are expected for β(3)-adrenoceptor agonists, this requires further investigation.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-3 Receptor Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic beta-3 Receptor Agonists / chemistry
  • Adrenergic beta-3 Receptor Agonists / pharmacology
  • Adrenergic beta-3 Receptor Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Drug Discovery
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3 / metabolism*
  • Syndrome
  • Urinary Bladder, Overactive / drug therapy*
  • Urinary Bladder, Overactive / metabolism

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-3 Receptor Agonists
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3