Thioamides are used as intermediates in the production of thiazoles, reactive heterocyclic compounds, which are present in a number of drugs for conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to autoimmune disorders.
However, while these markets were a consideration, the primary driver for the launch was the recent finding that thiazoles exhibit anti-tumour activity which, according to to Endeavour spokesman Jordi Robinson, is increasing pharmaceutical industry demand for the compounds in cancer research.
He told in-Pharmatechnologist.com that new studies looking at the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) in tumour growth “theorize that thiazole containing compounds can inhibit the function of the PI3K.”
Robinson also cited two recently issued US patents as further evidence of the high level of interest in thiazoles, and hence the large number of potential application of the new intermediates in anticancer research and development applications.
“The first patent does also mention other diseases where this thiazole functionality is useful as well, but there are a number of other papers on the internet which reference thiazoles in oncology research, so this is why the topic was singled out.”
He added that: “We also know from our own customers, that several of our thioamides, which give rise to thiazoles, are being used in new oncology drugs, two of which are currently in Phase 3” but could not give details for reasons of client confidentiality.
Further support for role of thiazoles in cancer research and drug development comes from other recent research conducted by scientists at the University of Chicago in the US.
One study, published last week in the online version of the Public Library of Science (PLoS), linked the presence of an intact thiazole ring structure in the antibiotic thiostrepton to the drugs antitumor activity in combination with the cancer drug Velcade (Bortezomib).