Abstract
Erdostein is a drug approved for the treatment of acute and chronic lung diseases. It was originally developed as a mucolytic.
It belongs to a family of thiol-based drugs that are known to have potentially important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Erdostein is a derivative of homocysteine.
It is a prodrug that is metabolized to metabolite M1 (MET 1). Experimental studies have shown that erdostein prevents or reduces oxidative stress-induced lung tissue damage.
The RESTORE study examined its effects in common exacerbators of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Erdostein has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of acute exacerbations of COPD, shorten their course and reduce the risk of hospitalizations.
The preventive effect of erdostein on exacerbations was not affected by treatment with inhaled corticosteroids or blood eosinophil counts. Erdostein is indicated for the treatment of COPD mainly in the bronchitic phenotype and overlap with the bronchiectasis phenotype, mainly in acute infectious exacerbations and with a preventive intent, as well as in rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngopharyngitis.
It is also used to prevent recurrent infectious episodes and complications after surgery. It has recently been shown that erdostein may also be beneficial in the treatment of patients with post-COVID syndrome.