chymopapain

Chymopapain is a proteolytic enzyme derived from the latex of the papaya plant (Carica papaya). It is classified as a cysteine protease and was used as an injectable treatment for herniated intervertebral discs. The drug was administered directly into the affected disc to enzymatically digest the nucleus pulposus, thereby reducing disc size and relieving nerve compression symptoms such as pain and sciatica. Its mechanism of action involves degrading proteoglycans in the intervertebral disc, leading to loss of glycosaminoglycan content, water reduction, shrinkage of the disc material, and decreased pressure on adjacent nerve roots[1][2][4][6]. Chymopapain therapy (chemonucleolysis) provided a non-surgical alternative for certain patients with lumbar disc herniation confirmed by imaging studies. However, its use carried risks including rare but serious adverse effects such as paralysis or anaphylaxis. The sale and distribution of chymopapain were discontinued in the United States in 2003[1][3][4].

Brand names

Chymodiactin