Ebselen

Ebselen, is a synthetic organoselenium molecule under preliminary investigation as a drug candidate. It belongs to the class of compounds related to benzene and its derivatives. It is being developed by the Seattle biotechnology company, Sound Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It has also been reported to target tubulin, blocking its polymerization.
Ebselen has been entered into clinical trials as a lead compound intended for the potential treatment of various diseases. Its most advanced clinical trial is a Phases of [clinical research#Phase III|Phase III] study in people with Meniere's disease, completed in July 2024.
In vitro, ebselen is a mimic of glutathione peroxidase and reacts with peroxynitrite. It is purported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Synthesis

Generally, synthesis of the characteristic scaffold of ebselen, the benzoisoselenazolone ring system, can be achieved either through reaction of primary amines with 2-benzoyl chloride, by ortho-lithiation of benzanilides followed by oxidative cyclization mediated by cupric bromide, or through the efficient Cu-catalyzed selenation / heterocyclization of o-halobenzamides, a methodology developed by Kumar et al..

History

The first patent for 2-phenyl-1,2-benzoselenazol-3-one was filed in 1980 and granted in 1982.

Research

Ebselen is in preliminary clinical development for the potential treatment of hearing loss and depression, among other medical indications.