Gdańsk/ European patent for an improved form of anti-inflammatory drug developed at the University of Gdańsk

The European Patent Office has granted scientists from the University of Gdańsk a patent for a new form of anti-inflammatory drug. It has improved physicochemical properties, which may improve the effectiveness of therapy and reduce side effects.

A new form of non-steroidal drug (NSAID) was developed by Prof. Artur Sikorski and Małgorzata Rybczyńska from the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk.

As the university's press release recalls, nimesulide is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used worldwide to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. One of the main problems with this group of drugs is their poor water solubility, which limits the substance's absorption in the body and, therefore, its therapeutic effectiveness.

Nimesulide salts developed by scientists from the University of Gdańsk are characterized by better physicochemical properties than pure nimesulide. In practice, this means that the new form of the drug dissolves better, is more easily absorbed, and remains in the body longer. This may allow for a reduced required dose, longer intervals between doses, and administration of the drug via various routes, not only orally but also, for example, in the form of a gel, patch, or suppository.

Quoted in the press release, Prof. Sikorski explained that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) account for approximately 10 percent of all painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antipyretics prescribed worldwide. "We reach for them when we feel pain, have a fever, or an infection. Therefore, the search for more effective and safer forms of these drugs is a significant scientific and social challenge," the professor reminded.

New forms of nimesulide may help improve the comfort and safety of therapy, reduce side effects and introduce more effective and affordable drugs to the market.

The process of obtaining protection for the invention "Nimesulide salts and method for obtaining nimesulide salt crystals" was coordinated by the Technology Transfer Center of the University of Gdańsk. (PAP)

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