Alrestatin is an inhibitor of aldose reductase, an

enzyme Enzymes () are proteins that act as biological catalysts by accelerating chemical reactions. The molecules upon which enzymes may act are called substrates, and the enzyme converts the substrates into different molecules known as products. A ...

involved in the pathogenesis of complications of

diabetes mellitus Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level ( hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst and increased ap ...

, including

diabetic neuropathy Diabetic neuropathy is various types of nerve damage associated with diabetes mellitus. Symptoms depend on the site of nerve damage and can include motor changes such as weakness; sensory symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain; or autonomic c ...

. Alrestat was first synthesized in 1969 and was the first

aldose reductase inhibitor Aldose reductase inhibitors are a class of drugs being studied as a way to prevent eye and nerve damage in people with diabetes. Mechanism Their target, aldose reductase, is an enzyme that is normally present in many other parts of the body, and ...

(ARI) with oral bioavailability to undergo clinical trials, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Low-quality trials and a high incidence of

adverse effect An adverse effect is an undesired harmful effect resulting from a medication or other intervention, such as surgery. An adverse effect may be termed a "side effect", when judged to be secondary to a main or therapeutic effect. The term complica ...

s (particularly hepatotoxicity) led to termination of its development, and it was never in clinical use. It is structurally related to

tolrestat Tolrestat (INN) (AY-27773) is an aldose reductase inhibitor which was approved for the control of certain diabetic complications. While it was approved for marketed in several countries, it failed a Phase III trial in the U.S. due to toxicity an ...

, another ARI that was briefly marketed before being withdrawn in 1997.

Synthesis

Alrestatin can be synthesized by the reaction of with glycine.Ayerst Mckenna & Harrison, Alrestatin synthesis

References

{{reflist Anti-diabetic drugs Imides Carboxylic acids

Synthesis

See also

References