Masoprocol

Absorption

Less than 1%-2% is absorbed through the skin over a 4-day period following application.

Toxicity

Symptoms of overdose or allergic reaction include bluish coloration of skin, dizziness, severe, or feeling faint, wheezing or trouble in breathing.

Description

Masoprocol is a lipoxygenase inhibitor launched as a topical agent for the treatment of solar or actinic keratoses. It is the first new topical treatment for pre-malignant skin lesions introduced in twenty years. Masoprocol is obtained from the Larrea tridentata plant and is also under investigation for the treatment of lung, breast, colon and ovarian cancers.

Originator

Chemex (U.S.A.)

The Uses of Masoprocol

Antineoplastic.

Indications

Used for the treatment of actinic keratoses (precancerous skin growths that can become malignant if left untreated).

Background

A potent lipoxygenase inhibitor that interferes with arachidonic acid metabolism. The compound also inhibits formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase, carboxylesterase, and cyclooxygenase to a lesser extent. It also serves as an antioxidant in fats and oils. [PubChem]

Definition

ChEBI: Masoprocol is the meso-form of nordihydroguaiaretic acid. An antioxidant found in the creosote bush, Larrea divaricata, it is a potent lipoxygenase inhibitor that interferes with arachidonic acid metabolism. It also inhibits (though to a lesser extent) formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase, carboxylesterase, and cyclooxygenase. It has a role as an antineoplastic agent, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, a hypoglycemic agent and a metabolite.

brand name

Actinex (University Of Arizonia Cancer Center).

Pharmacokinetics

Masoprocol is a novel antineoplastic agent. It is not known exactly how masoprocol works. Laboratory experiments have shown that masoprocol prevents cells similar to the ones found in actinic keratoses from multiplying. Masoprocol was withdrawn from the U.S. market in June 1996.

Metabolism

Not Available