The development was developed by scientists from the Ural Federal University (UrFU), who collaborated with colleagues from the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and India. The team synthesized eight new compounds based on modified nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) known as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid.
To improve the pharmacological properties, special azoheterocycle fragments were added to each molecule of the starting compounds. This approach proved successful: two of the eight compounds demonstrated particularly high efficacy with reduced side effects.
As Grigory Zyryanov, Professor of the Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry at UrFU, explained, the most active substance was created based on mefenamic acid. Previously, this drug was rarely used due to its toxicity. However, the scientists were able to modify its structure so that its anti-inflammatory properties were preserved while its harmful effects on the body were significantly reduced.
The new compounds have a dual effect: they not only reduce inflammation but also help reduce pain. The results of the study, as reported in the Journal of Molecular Structure, have already been confirmed in laboratory tests. The compounds were tested against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus.
The greatest effect was observed against Staphylococcus aureus, one of the bacteria that has developed resistance to many existing antibiotics. Comparative analysis showed that the new compounds are more active than diclofenac. Their efficacy was comparable to gentamicin, while they are active at lower concentrations.
Initial metabolism and toxicity studies confirmed the compounds' safety and high potential. The next stage of the research team's work will be testing in living organisms.
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