The present invention relates to an amide compound of the formula
1
wherein R
1
is a hydrogen and the like, R
2
is a hydrogen and the like, X is SO
2
and the like, Y is the formula (III) and the like and a is 2, an isomer thereof or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compound of the present invention shows a remarkable and selective Rho kinase inhibitory action, is free of problematic toxicity, shows fine oral absorption and drug kinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and the like of the drug), and shows superior properties (e.g., stability etc.) as a compound. Accordingly, it can be used as a therapeutic drug for various diseases in which Rho kinase is involved.
A compound having a Rho kinase inhibitory activity, such as (+)-trans-4-(1-aminoethyl)-1-(4-pyridylcarbamoyl)-cyclohexane, has a renal interstitial fibrosis inhibitory action in renal interstitial fibrosis model mice and various other actions, and therefore, is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of renal diseases.
When used concurrently with an antitumor agent, a compound having a Rho kinase inhibitory activity, such as (R)-(+)-N-(4-pyridyl)-4-(1-aminoethyl)benzamide, reinforces an antitumor effect of the antitumor agent and is useful as an antitumor effect potentiator.
Particularly, a compound having a Rho kinase inhibitory activity used with an antitumor agent in combination can reduce the dose of the antitumor agent, which in turn affords provision of a sufficient effect and/or reduction of side effects.
The present invention provides a visual function disorder improving agent containing a compound having Rho kinase inhibitory activity, particularly (R)-(+)-N-(
1
H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl)-4-(1-aminoethyl)benzamide, as an effective component. This agent has axon of the retinal ganglion cellal extension promoting action and optic nerve cell regeneration promoting action, and is useful for the treatment of a visual function disorder associated with various eye diseases caused by damage, defects, degeneration and the like in the retinal or optic nerve.
The present invention provides a novel pharmaceutical agent for recovering corneal sensitivity after corneal surgery and improving symptoms of dry eye. This pharmaceutical agent is useful for improving decreased corneal sensitivity and dry eye associated with corneal neurodegeneration such as post-cataract operation, post-LASIK operation, post-PRK operation, postkeratoplasty operation, neuroparalytic keratopathy, corneal ulcer, diabetic keratopathy and the like, since it contains a Rho protein inhibitor.