clofoctol

Clofoctol is a synthetic bacteriostatic antibiotic with activity primarily against Gram-positive bacteria. It has been used in the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections as well as ear, nose, and throat infections. The drug acts by reducing intracellular ATP levels in bacteria, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of cytoplasmic membrane peptidoglycans and arresting cell wall synthesis—a mechanism distinct from other antibacterial agents. Clofoctol is administered rectally (as a suppository), rapidly accumulates in lung tissue, and has high bioavailability. Historically marketed under the brand names Octofene (France) and Gramplus (Italy), it was withdrawn from some markets but has been investigated for repurposing against SARS-CoV‑2 due to its favorable safety profile and lung accumulation properties. Additionally, research suggests potential anticancer effects via upregulation of KLF13 through binding to the RNA-binding protein UNR[1][4][5][6][8].

Brand names

OctofeneGramplus

Other names

2-[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)methyl]-4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenol