Suramin Research at University at Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Researchers at University at Buffalo have found that Suramin, a 100-year-old drug used to treat sleeping sickness, can be repurposed to fight diabetic foot ulcers and oral mucositis.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer. A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot.

Ulcers form due to a combination of factors, such as:

• Neuropathy
• Poor circulation
• Foot deformities
• Irritation and trauma
• Duration of diabetes
• Uncontrolled blood sugar

Research Breakthrough

The breakthrough, led by researchers at the University of Arizona with the support of Keith Kirkwood, DDS, PhD, Centennial Endowed Chair and professor of oral biology in the UB School of Dental Medicine, has the potential to benefit thousands of patients whose current healing options are either partially effective or painful and invasive.

"Our early studies with Suramin to reduce the severity of oral mucositis have been promising. The current challenge is to develop novel topical delivery strategies that could be taken into the clinical stage," says Kirkwood, whose research focuses on oral cancer progression.

Oral Mucositis

Oral mucositis — or ulcers and sores of the mouth and throat — is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation in patients with head and neck cancer. About 40% of patients who receive chemotherapy and nearly all patients who receive radiation develop oral mucositis, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This side effect is riddled with symptoms, such as:

• Trouble breathing
• Swallowing and eating difficulties
• Intense pain

If left untreated, these sores can lead to life-threatening infections.

Impact on Diabetic Patients

People with diabetes face a similar problem: diabetic foot ulcers. These ulcers, the most common complication that diabetic patients experience, directly result in 85% of diabetes-related amputations, according to the American College of Physicians.

Suramin's Potential

Suramin, the researchers discovered, is effective for wound healing and well-equipped to meet the needs of diabetic and cancer patient populations. The researchers have begun to commercialize the medication in a series of easy-to-use, topical creams, ointments, and gels.

Lead Investigators

The lead investigators from the University of Arizona are:

• Rick Schnellmann, PhD, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Howard J. Schaeffer Endowed Chair in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Heidi Mansour, PhD, associate professor in the College of Pharmacy

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