Dimethyl sulfoxide is a reversible mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (MEK1) and MEK2 inhibitor used to treat certain types of melanoma, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer. A highly polar organic liquid, that is used widely as a chemical solvent.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The mechanism of dimethyl sulfoxide's actions is not well understood. Dimethyl sulfoxide has demonstrated antioxidant activity in certain biological settings. For example, the cardiovascular protective effect of dimethyl sulfoxide in copper-deficient rats is thought to occur by an antioxidant mechanism. It is also thought that dimethyl sulfoxide's possible anti-inflammatory activity is due to antioxidant action.
- Primary indication
- For the symptomatic relief of patients with interstitial cystitis.Curator reviewed · 2 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C2H6OS · 78.133 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2003 · United States, 1978
- Also known as
- Dimethyl sulfur oxide · Dimethyl sulphoxide · DMSO · Methylsulfinylmethane
- Code names
- NSC-763 · SQ-9453
- Brand names
Resolves to
IAZDPXIOMUYVGZ-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCS(C)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 16, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Dimethyl sulfoxide, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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