Teprenone (also known as geranylgeranylacetone or GGA), sold under the brand name Selbex, is a medication used for the treatment of gastric ulcers. It belongs to the class of drugs known as gastroprotective agents.
Chemical Properties
Teprenone is a terpene ketone with the chemical formula C₂₃H₃₈O and a molar mass of 330.556 g·mol⁻¹. Its IUPAC name is (5E,9E,13E)-6,10,14,18-tetramethylnonadeca-5,9,13,17-tetraen-2-one. It is an acyclic polyisoprenoid, meaning it has a linear rather than cyclic molecular structure. The compound exists as a mixture of 5E- and 5Z- geometric isomers in a 3:2 ratio.
Medical Uses
Teprenone is primarily indicated for the treatment of gastric ulcers and chronic superficial gastritis. It functions as a mucosal protective agent, suppressing gastric mucus depletion, neutrophil infiltration, and oxidative stress. It also improves pepsinogen levels and gastric mucosa-related mediators such as prostaglandin (PG), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and endothelin-1 (ET-1), thereby increasing gastric mucosal blood flow.
Mechanism of Action
Teprenone is known to activate heat shock protein (HSP) genes, particularly Hsp70, which contributes to its cytoprotective effects. It has also been described as a PAK1-blocker.
History and Availability
Since 1984, teprenone has been used as a treatment for gastric ulcers in Japan and other Asian countries under the brand name Selbex. It is available by prescription only.
Additional Research
Beyond its gastroprotective properties, teprenone has been investigated in clinical trials for potential benefits in other conditions, including heart failure management, and has shown research interest in areas such as Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers. It is also used as an ingredient in some cosmetic and skincare products for its potential cellular protective properties, including telomere stabilization.
Identifiers
- CAS Number: 6809-52-5
- PubChem CID: 5282199
- DrugBank: DB15955
- ATC Code: A02BX15 (WHO)
