Repositioning Candidate Details

Candidate ID: R1495
Source ID: DB13783
Source Type: approved; investigational
Compound Type: small molecule
Compound Name: Acemetacin
Synonyms: Acemetacin; indometacin carboxymethyl ester; indometacin glycolic ester; indomethacin carboxymethyl ester; indomethacin glycolic ester
Molecular Formula: C21H18ClNO6
SMILES: COC1=CC2=C(C=C1)N(C(=O)C1=CC=C(Cl)C=C1)C(C)=C2CC(=O)OCC(O)=O
Structure:
DrugBank Description: Acemetacin is a carboxymethyl ester of indometacin. It is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, derived from the indol-3-acetic acid, whose activity is thought to be mainly through its active metabolite indomethacin. In clinical trials, acemetacin exhibits a better gastric tolerability compared to its active metabolite indometacin. It was developed by E. Merck and Company in Germany as an attempt to provide a safer drug but other than the amelioration on the gastrointestinal effects, the metabolism of acetamicin led to the formation of indomethacin and it kept the same side effects.
CAS Number: 53164-05-9
Molecular Weight: 415.83
DrugBank Indication: Acemetacin is not FDA, Canada or EMA approved, but in the countries where it is marketed it is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of pain and swelling in acute inflammation of the joints in rheumathoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain and post-surgical pain. It is also indicated for the treatment of chronic inflammation of the joints in presence of rheumatoid arthritis, treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, treatment of irritation in the joints and spinal column caused by degenerative disorders, treatment of inflammatory soft-tissue rheumatism syndrome and painful swelling and inflammation caused by injury.
DrugBank Pharmacology: The effect of acemetacin causes a weak reduction of prostaglandin synthesis which generates an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. The weak inhibition of prostaglandin reduces significantly the damage caused in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that acemetacin strongly inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells and the generation of hyperthermia. Acemetacin effect also causes changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as inhibition of platelet aggregation.
DrugBank MoA: Acemetacin is a non-selective inhibitor of the production of pro-inflammatory mediators derived from the action of the enzyme COX. COX is essential for the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and F2 which are molecules derived from fatty acids and stored in the cell membrane. Acetometacine is metabolized and forms its major metabolite indometacin which is also a non-selective inhibitor of COX and exhibits the capacity to inhibit the motility of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and decreased cerebral flow by modulating the nitric oxide pathway and vasoconstriction.
Targets: Prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 antagonist; Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 antagonist
Inclusion Criteria: Therapeutic strategy associated