Cilansetron

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Image:Cilansetron.png
Cilansetron
Systematic (IUPAC) name
10-((2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)-5,6,8,9,10,11 -hexahydro-4H-pyrido(3,2,1-jk)carbazol-11-one
Identifiers
CAS number	120635-74-7
ATC code	A03AE03
PubChem	65939
Chemical data
Formula	C20H21N3O
Mol. weight	319.4 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	Unlicensed
Routes	Oral

Cilansetron (Pronounced Sil-an-set-ron) is a drug that is a 5HT-3 antagonist currently under trial phase in the EU and US it is manufactured by Solvay Pharmacuticals INC.

5HT-3 receptors are responsible for causing many things from nausea to excess bowel movements. It is thought in conditions like IBS the receptors have become faulty or oversensitive. 5HT-3 antagonists work by blocking the nervous and chemical signals from reaching these receptors.

Studies have shown that the drug can greatly improve quality of life in men and women with diahorrea predominant IBS (1) Cilansetron is the first 5HT antagonist specifically designed for IBS that is effective in men as well as women.(1)

Solvay has had considerable difficulty with the medicines regualtors in the UK, EU and USA with regards to licensing the drug. This could possibly be due to the problems discovered after licensing with the drug Lonotrex. At time of writing; Solvay had recently withdrawn its application to the FDA but was continuing its talks with the MHRA in the UK and EU regulators. (2)

It is not currently known what sort of timeframe the public are looking at to be able to obtain the drug. This matter is not helped by the lack of information about cilansetron and its trials in the public domain. The regulators have also stated this in their responses (Citiation needed.)

There is no information about future trials currently avaliable.

Some people have tried the Anti-enemtic ondansetron HCI (Zofran) as a substitute for the time being, results are mixed but noted effect has been shown some male and females (3) However; due to its license in the UK it is usually only perscribable at consultant level. Since the licensing of a generic version it is more likely a NHS perscription will be accepted as the branded version is very expensive (Official NHS pricing.) In the USA and Canada: availability often depends on insurance and the doctors personal opinion on off-label prescribing.

Sources:

1: http://www.drugdevelopment-technology.com/projects/cilanserton (General info on Cilansetron.)

2: http://www.solvaypress.com/pressreleases/0,,36423-2-0,00.htm#contact (Sovay press relaase 19th november 2005.)

3: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2036.1996.30172000.x (Clinical trial for 5-HT3 antagonists use in Diarrhoea-predominant IBS)