Etheros fullerene-based catalytic antioxidant

Etheros Pharmaceuticals is developing a novel class of small molecule drugs based on water-soluble fullerene derivatives (buckminsterfullerenes) that function as catalytic antioxidants. These compounds are engineered to mimic the activity of endogenous enzymes, specifically superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent oxidative and inflammatory injury. Unlike traditional antioxidants that are stoichiometrically consumed, these fullerene-based mimetics work catalytically, enabling a single molecule to neutralize thousands of free radicals per second. The lead compound has demonstrated potent neuroprotective effects in various preclinical animal models, including non-human primates for Parkinson’s disease, mice for familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and piglet models of neonatal asphyxia. Research has also shown that the compound can extend median lifespan in wild-type mice by approximately 11-15% and improve cognitive performance in aged subjects. The drug candidate exhibits favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including high brain penetrance, oral bioavailability, and minimal metabolic degradation, supporting its development for neurodegenerative and age-related disorders.

Other names

C3 carboxyfullereneC-3 carboxyfullereneC 3 carboxyfullerenecarboxyfullerene SOD mimeticfullerene-based enzyme mimetictris-malonyl C60C60(C(COOH)2)3