Masoprocol

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.)

Uses

Antineoplastic.

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).