Researchers have developed an economical, reliable and metal-free chemical reaction that could yield building blocks for future anti-HIV and cancer drugs. A team of researchers from KU Leuven, in Belgium, has developed a chemical reaction that yields fully functional 1,2,3-triazoles. Triazoles are chemical compounds that can be used as building blocks for more complex chemical compounds, including pharmaceutical drugs.
Leveraging the compound’s surprisingly stable structure, drug developers have successfully used 1,2,3-triazoles as building blocks in various anti-HIV, anti-cancer and anti-bacterial drugs. But efforts to synthesise the compound have been hampered by one serious hurdle: they depend on harmful heavy metals to work, and this severely limits their biological applications. In new experiments, a research team at KU Leuven’s Molecular Design and Synthesis lab confirm for the first time that 1,2,3-triazoles can be synthesised through a metal-free, three-component reaction using readily available ingredients. (Read: 6 reasons you should stop taking too many painkillers)
‘We were able to develop a reaction that provided a good yield, high regioselectivity and easy access to diversely functionalised 1,2,3-triazoles,’ said corresponding author Wim Dehaen. ‘In other words, the reaction produces plenty of the compounds we’re looking for, does so reliably without unwanted or unexpected outcomes, and does this in a way that makes it easy for us to isolate the compound. This makes our method highly desirable,’ said Dehaen. ‘Moving forward, we will focus on expanding the chemistry developed here to other new reactions while also exploring their possible applications in pharmaceutical as well as supra-molecular sciences,’ said lead author Dr Joice Thomas.
The finding was published in the journal Angewandte Chemie.
Which drugs are likely to cause an adverse drug reactions?
‘All medicinal products can cause side-effects as well as adverse drug reactions. Some of the medicines like nystatin (antifungal agents) or B12 supplements (vitamin supplements) have mild or near zero (not zero) side-effects. But apart from these all formulations have noticeable and unnoticeable side effects,’ says Dr Halim.
What immediate action should people take after an serious side-effect has occurred?
‘If you experience an adverse reaction, stop taking the drug immediately and visit a doctor’, says Dr Halim. But you should remember that discontinuing some drugs may not be safe hence it is best to consult a doctor first. Also, do not take any other medicine without the doctor’s prescription.
Dr Halim explains ‘In general, the doctor will tell you to stop taking the medicine only if:
- It can be safely stopped
- The event is life-threatening or intolerable
- There is another reasonable alternative
In case your side-effect or adverse-event is not that serious; for example fatigue, general nausea or dizziness, you can continue to take the medication until you visit the doctor. You doctor may modify the dose if:
- It is medically necessary
- There is no reasonable alternative
- The problem is mild and will resolve with time.’
What treatment is required for a person who suffers a serious side-effect or an adverse event?
According to Dr Halim treatment or management for side-effects is based on the time-line of the adverse drug reaction (ADR). He explains the three types of ADRs based on time-line. Read more about Side-effects of medicines and adverse drug reactions — causes, management and complications
With inputs from PTI
You may also like to read:
- 7 ways a drug overdose can harm you (Gallery)
- 6 ways painkillers can harm you (Gallery)
- Medicines for allergies — uses, side-effects and interactions
- Antibiotics — types, side-effects, dosage and precautions
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