5-hydroxymethylfurfural

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is an organic compound formed by the dehydration of reducing sugars and is commonly found in heat-treated foods. It consists of a furan ring with both aldehyde and alcohol functional groups. HMF has been investigated as a small molecule drug, particularly under the code name AES-103, for its potential to treat sickle cell disease by binding intracellular sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and inhibiting the formation of sickled cells. Preclinical studies have shown that orally administered HMF can reduce sickling in transgenic mouse models. Additionally, it has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the NF-kB/NLRP3 inflammasome cascade through attenuation of ER stress in cellular and animal models[4][6]. Its primary indications studied include hypoxia, anemia, and sickle cell disease[2][3][4]. HMF is also widely used as a food additive and flavoring agent but its pharmaceutical development for sickle cell disease appears to have been discontinued after phase II trials[3].

Other names

5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde5-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-furfural5-(Hydroxymethyl)furfural5-HydroxymethylfurfuralHydroxymethylfurfural