Trans-sodium crocetinate for treating hypoxia/ischemia.
BACKGROUND
Trans-sodium crocetinate (TSC) is a novel compound that offers promise as a treatment for conditions caused by hypoxia or ischemia. TSC was originally developed at the University of Virginia for hemorrhagic shock, as part of the battlefield casualty program sponsored by the US Office of Naval Research. Animal toxicology studies have demonstrated that high levels of TSC are well-tolerated, and a Phase I clinical study has shown that TSC is also safe in humans.


OBJECTIVE
The drug acts via a mechanism that has not been previously exploited in a pharmaceutical. TSC increases the rate of oxygen diffusion between the erythrocytes and the tissues by altering the 'structure' of water in blood plasma. It does this by causing additional hydrogen bonds to form among the water molecules.


CONCLUSIONS
Further development of TSC for hemorrhagic shock and other hypoxic/ischemic conditions is being done by Diffusion Pharmaceuticals LLC.
Gainer
John L
JL
Diffusion Pharmaceuticals LLC, 2020 Avon Court, #4, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA. jgainer@diffusionpharma.com
D000818:Animals; D002338:Carotenoids; D017321:Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004058:Diffusion; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding / Q000187:drug effects; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007511:Ischemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects; D010949:Plasma / Q000737:chemistry; D051381:Rats; D012771:Shock, Hemorrhagic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D013552:Swine; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
C487773:trans-sodium crocetinate; D014867:Water; D014801:Vitamin A; D002338:Carotenoids; D010100:Oxygen