Active ingredient of the month August: Everolimus
Our versatile active ingredient of the month for August, everolimus, is used in various medical fields. Originally developed as an immunosuppressant, everolimus has become increasingly important in oncology.
Mode of action: suppresses cell proliferation and immune response of the body
Everolimus belongs to the class of mTOR inhibitors (mammalian target of rapamycin). It binds to the protein FKBP12 and forms a complex that inhibits the activity of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1). mTORC1 plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth, cell proliferation and cell metabolism. By inhibiting mTORC1, everolimus can slow down both cell growth and cell division, which is particularly important in cancer therapy.
Applications: from organ transplants to oncology
1. Transplant medicine: Everolimus is often used to prevent organ rejection after kidney and heart transplants. It suppresses the body’s immune reaction and thus prevents the rejection reaction.
2. Oncology: In oncology, everolimus is used to treat various types of cancer, including renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, and neuroendocrine tumors. Inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway slows tumor growth while making tumor cells more susceptible to other therapies.
3. Tuberous sclerosis: Everolimus is also used to treat tuberous sclerosis. A rare genetic disease in which, among other things, benign tumors form in various organs. Tuberous sclerosis is due to overactivation of the mTOR signaling pathway. The symptoms associated with the disease respond well to the inhibition of mTOR signaling pathways by everolimus, including the associated tumors.
4. Drug-eluting stents: The implantation of a coronary stent ensures the reopening of a coronary artery. After the procedure, everolimus-releasing stents ensure that the stent does not close due to possible inflammatory reactions of the surrounding vessel wall.
Ongoing research is focused on discovering new applications and combination therapies that further exploit the potential of everolimus.
Everolimus available in GMP quality or for research purposes
We source everolimus for you in GMP or research quality from our long-standing European partner.
Just send us a message if you are interested in this active ingredient or have any questions about it.
4c media