Log in or create an account for full access to this data.
Create a free account or log in to use this tool.
Create a free account or log in to explore DrugBank data.
A polyanionic compound with an unknown mechanism of action. It is used parenterally in the treatment of African trypanosomiasis and it has been used clinically with diethylcarbamazine to kill the... (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1992, p1643) It has also been shown to have potent antineoplastic properties.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The mechanism is unknown, but the trypanocidal activity may be due to the inhibition of enzymes involved with the oxidation of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NADH), which functions as a co-enzyme in many cellular reactions, such as respiration and glycolysis, in the trypanosome parasite. Suramin's action in the treatment of onchocerciasis is macrofilaricidal and partially microfilaricidal. It may also act as an antagonist of P2 receptors and as an agonist of Ryanodine receptors. It also can inhibit follicle-stimulating hormone receptors.
- Primary indication
- For treatment of human sleeping sickness, onchocerciasis and other diseases caused by trypanosomes and worms.Curator reviewed
- Formula / weight
- C51H40N6O23S6 · 1297.28 g/mol (avg)
- Also known as
- Suramine
- Code names
- NSC-34936
Resolves to
FIAFUQMPZJWCLV-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCC1=C(NC(=O)C2=CC(NC(=O)NC3=CC=CC(=C3)C(=O)NC3=C(C)C=CC(=C3)C(=O)NC3=C4C(C=C(C=C4S(O)(=O)=O)S(O)(=O)=O)=C(C=C3)S(O)(=O)=O)=CC=C2)C=C(C=C1)C(=O)NC1=C2C(C=C(C=C2S(O)(=O)=O)S(O)(=O)=O)=C(C=C1)S(O)(=O)=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Suramin, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?