alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone

Alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) is a small molecule nitrone compound that functions as a potent free radical spin trap and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. It is widely utilized in biochemical research to stabilize short-lived free radicals for detection via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Beyond its role as a research tool, PBN has demonstrated neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in various preclinical models, including those for ischemic stroke, acute brain injury, and Parkinson's disease. It also acts as an inhibitor of RPE65 (retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein), a key enzyme in the visual cycle, which helps protect against light-induced retinal neurodegeneration. While PBN itself has primarily remained an investigational compound, its disulfonated derivative, NXY-059, was extensively studied in clinical trials for acute ischemic stroke.

Other names

N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitronePhenyl-N-tert-butylnitroneN-benzylidene-tert-butylamine N-oxide