suramin

Suramin is a polyanionic small molecule drug primarily used for the treatment of African sleeping sickness (human African trypanosomiasis) and river blindness (onchocerciasis), both caused by parasitic infections. It is administered intravenously. Suramin's mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to inhibit key enzymes involved in energy metabolism within parasites, such as glycolytic enzymes, leading to parasite death. Additionally, suramin inhibits a wide range of cellular targets including DNA and RNA polymerases, reverse transcriptase, telomerase, protein kinases, phospholipase A2, protein tyrosine phosphatases, GABA receptors, P2 purinoceptors (P2 receptors), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and several growth factor receptors such as those for EGF and PDGF. It has also demonstrated antineoplastic properties by blocking tumor growth factor binding to their receptors. Suramin was originally developed by Bayer.

Brand names

Germanin

Other names

suramin sodium