Application

Nifurtimox has been used in drug treatment in culture media.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Nifurtimox is a nitrofurane derivative used to treat diseases caused by trypanosomes. Nifurtimox was discovered empirically and its mechanism of action is unclear. It is believed that nifurtimox exerts its biological activity through the bioreduction of the nitro-group to a nitro-anion radical which undergoes redox-cycling with molecular oxygen.

Features and Benefits

This compound was developed by Bayer. To browse the list of other pharma-developed compounds and Approved Drugs/Drug Candidates, click here.

General description

Nifurtimox acts as a hypoxia-activated cytotoxin, which specifically kills clonogenic tumor cells under hypoxic conditions. It is used to treat Chagas disease and African trypanosomiasis. Nifurtimox inhibits neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma cell growth.

Packaging

5, 25 mg in glass bottle