gallium nitrate

Gallium nitrate is a small molecule drug formerly used to treat cancer-related hypercalcemia that was unresponsive to hydration. It is the hydrated nitrate salt of the group IIIa element gallium. Its primary mechanism involves inhibiting calcium resorption from bone, likely by reducing osteoclast activity and bone turnover, resulting in hypocalcemic effects[2][5][6]. Gallium may also be incorporated into hydroxyapatite in bone, promoting crystallization and reducing mineral solubility[8]. Additionally, it has been shown to inhibit inflammatory cytokine production (such as interleukin-1 beta), matrix metalloproteinase activity, and ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 involved in DNA synthesis[2][5]. Gallium nitrate was marketed under the brand name Ganite but was discontinued for reasons unrelated to safety or efficacy[1][3]. It has also been studied for arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and tumors.

Brand names

Ganite

Other names

Ga(NO3)3gallium(III) nitrategallium trinitrate