Researchers from the University of Gdańsk have developed new forms of the well-known drug nimesulide, which significantly broadens the prospects of use. Nimesulide is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been available by prescription for many years. A team of researchers from the Department of Physical Chemistry of the Faculty of Chemistry UG has developed a completely new – crystalline – form of the specific. The developed form of the drug has a much better solubility in water, which improves the absorption of the active substance and reduces the time of release of the drug in the body. In addition, there is potential antitumor, antimicrobial, antiviral activity and potential for use in the treatment of neurodegradative diseases.
Thanks to the new form of the drug, patients can benefit from new medicinal products that can be administered by other means than oral administration. Improving absorption will also allow for the use of lower doses or an increase in the time between doses. This discovery also benefits pharmaceutical companies, as the increased bioavailability of the drug substance translates into the amount of raw material needed to produce drugs. The cost of storing the drug will also decrease.
The invention of Gdańsk scientists was among the 20 final discoveries of the 10th edition of the competition “Eureka! DGP – discovering Polish inventions”. Scientists are planning to commercialise their invention, seeking patent protection at European level and scaling the production process to industrial scale.
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The article published on rynekzdrowia.pl; URL: https://www.rynekzdrowia.pl/Farmacja/Naukowcy-z-Uniwersytetu-Gdanskiego-opracowali-nowe-formy-znanego-leku-Zyska-nowe-wlasciwosci,247923,6.html
Magdalena Marynowska