An international research team has developed a new class of anti-inflammatory molecules activated by sunlight. The study offers a more selective approach that could reduce the side effects caused by traditional drugs used in pain and inflammation treatment.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, which are widely used, can cause stomach issues and cardiovascular risks when used long-term or in high doses. Researchers highlighted that a key limitation of these drugs is their non-selective action throughout the body.
A New Step in Photopharmacology
The study, conducted with contributions from the University of Milan Statale and the University of Naples Federico II, is based on photopharmacology, a field that aims to control drug activity with light. The research was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
The study was coordinated by Carlo Matera and Giovanni Grazioso from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Milan Statale, along with Anna Pistocchi from the Department of Biomedical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine. The team named the new molecule family "photocoxibs."
Molecules Switch On and Off with Light
Photocoxibs act like molecular switches. When exposed to light, their structure changes, activating their pharmacological effect. In the absence of light, they revert to their original form and become inactive.
This reversible mechanism aims to activate the drug only in the inflamed tissue and at the needed time, thereby avoiding unnecessary effects on healthy tissues.
Aiming to Reduce Side Effect Burden
One of the main issues limiting long-term NSAID use is their lack of selectivity. Side effects ranging from stomach complaints and ulcers to cardiovascular risks can arise because the drug acts not only on inflamed areas but also on healthy tissues.
Researchers suggest that a drug activated only when needed could significantly improve the safety profile. This approach could mean more tolerable treatments for millions of people dependent on these drugs in daily life.
Potential Future Applications
The study also emphasized that this approach might not be limited to pain and inflammation treatment. It could pave the way for more targeted therapies in conditions where inflammation plays a key role, such as arthritis, chronic inflammatory diseases, and certain types of tumors.
However, the research is still at the laboratory stage, and further studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy in humans.
