N-chlorotaurine

N-chlorotaurine is a long-lived oxidant and the N-chloro derivative of the amino acid taurine, naturally produced by activated human granulocytes and monocytes as part of the immune response[1][3]. It acts as a mild oxidizing antiseptic with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses (including SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, RSV), and parasites[3][8]. Its mechanism involves chlorination and oxidation of pathogen proteins and enzymes, leading to inactivation of virulence factors (microbiostatic effect), loss of pathogen viability or virulence (post-antibiotic effect), and delayed regrowth[6][8]. Additionally, it inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase and IkappaB kinase[2][4], contributing to its anti-inflammatory properties. N-chlorotaurine can be synthesized chemically for topical application at various body sites (e.g., eye, skin ulcers, ear canal, nasal sinuses) with excellent tissue tolerability demonstrated in Phase I/II studies for conditions such as external otitis, skin ulcerations, keratoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, acanthamoeba keratitis[3][5]. C-methylated derivatives have been developed for improved stability.

Other names

n-chlorotaurinetaurine chloraminetaurochloraminetaurine monochloramine2-(chloroamino)ethanesulfonic acid