Hydrogen sulphide-triggered theranostic prodrugs based on dynamic chemistry of tetrazines

Prodrug targets cancers that give off hydrogen sulphide

30 November 2022

A drug that can be activated by hydrogen sulphide — a compound found in high concentrations near some cancer cells — has been demonstrated.

Prodrugs are drugs that are inactive until they come into contact with their target. They are thus very attractive for reducing side effects caused by conventional drugs used in chemotherapy.

Now, in a proof-of-principle study, a team led by researchers from University of La Laguna has exploited the chemistry of tetrazines, nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds that have a six-membered ring, to develop a prodrug that is triggered by hydrogen sulphide.

Since hydrogen sulphide is produced by some cancer cells, this prodrug is promising for treating colon cancer and other cancers. Furthermore, fluorescent compounds can be attached to the tetrazines, making them useful for diagnosis as well.

Supported content

References

1. Chemical Communications 58, 5518 (2022). doi: 10.1039/d2cc01170k