hydroxyectoine

Hydroxyectoine is a natural extremolyte and a derivative of ectoine, primarily produced by halophilic bacteria such as *Halomonas elongata* to survive extreme environmental conditions. It functions as a chaperone for biological macromolecules, stabilizing proteins, cell membranes, and nucleic acids by forming a protective hydration shell known as the Ectoin Hydro Complex. Unlike traditional pharmacological agents, hydroxyectoine does not bind to specific receptors; instead, it acts through a physical mechanism of preferential exclusion, which prevents the denaturation of proteins and maintains the integrity of lipid bilayers against stressors such as UV radiation, allergens, and dehydration. Developed and pioneered by bitop AG, it is utilized in various medical devices and dermo-cosmetic products for indications including dry eye syndrome, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and inflammatory airway diseases like COPD and asthma.

Brand names

Hydroxyectoin

Other names

(4S,5S)-5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid5-hydroxyectoine