Table 3.

Therapies directly targeting neutrophils currently being assessed in human chronic airway diseases

Drug	Target	Indication	Mechanism of action	References
AZD9668 BAY 85–8501	NE	COPD CF Bronchiectasis	Selective NE inhibitor that elevates FEV1 and reduces inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6 and IL-8). Selective NE inhibitor that suppresses inflammation	[131, 137] [138, 139]
MK-7123	CXCR2	COPD	Reduces neutrophil chemotaxis and airway inflammation using a cytokine receptor CXCR2 antagonist (MK-7123)	[130]
AZD7986	DPP1	COPD	Blocks protease activation (reduces NE activity in the blood) via DPP1 inhibition	[140]
AZD1236	MMP	COPD	MMP-9, -12 inhibitor	[141]
GSK2269557 GSK2292767	PI3K	COPD/Asthma Asthma	Suppression of IL-8 and IL-6 levels in sputum, airway anti-inflammatory activity Inhibits neutrophil migration and degranulation	[142] [143]

^*NE Neutrophil elastase