Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
Monosodium Urate Crystals (MSU)
- Target
- MSU
- Molecular classification
- Crystal, Salt, DAMP (Danger-associated molecular pattern)
01
Overview
Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals are the crystalline form of monosodium urate, a salt derived from uric acid. They are best known as the causative agent in gout, where their deposition in joints and tissues triggers acute inflammatory responses. MSU crystals act as endogenous danger signals (DAMPs), potently activating the innate immune system by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. While not a direct drug target, their formation and deposition are the focus of therapeutic intervention in gout.
- Other names
- Monosodium urateSodium;7,9-dihydropurin-3-ide-2,6,8-trioneCHEBI:143125Uric Acid (crystals)
02
Mechanism of action
N/A
03
Biological functions
NLRP3 inflammasome activationSyk kinase activationPI3K pathway activationIL-1β secretionIL-18 secretionInnate immune response activation
04
Disease associations
GoutInflammation
05
Safety considerations
Flare risk with urate-lowering therapy initiationPotential for unintended immune activation in experimental settings
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Monosodium Urate Crystals (MSU).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Monosodium Urate Crystals (MSU).