Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table, and the fluorine atom has a small atomic radius, so fluorine-containing organic compounds have many wonderful properties. For example, the introduction of fluorine atoms or fluorine-containing groups into drug molecules can improve the permeability to cell membranes, metabolic stability and bioavailability; in addition, the introduction of fluorine atoms will improve the lipid solubility of the compound and promote its absorption in the body. The speed of delivery changes the physiological effect. In the field of medicinal chemistry, the introduction of fluorine atoms into organic molecules is an important direction for the development of new anticancer drugs, antitumor drugs, antiviral agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, and central nervous system drugs.
In organic chemistry, a carbonyl group is a functional group with the formula C=O, composed of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, and it is divalent at the C atom. It is common to several classes of organic compounds (such as aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids), as part of many larger functional groups. A compound containing a carbonyl group is often referred to as a carbonyl compound.
Vertex announced positive results from its Phase 2 dose-ranging study of VX-548 in people with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). VX-548 is an investigational oral, selective NaV1.8 inhibitor that is highly selective for NaV1.8 relative to other NaV channels. NaV1.8 is a voltage-gated sodium channel that plays a critical role in pain signaling in the peripheral nervous system. NaV1.8 is a genetically validated target for the treatment of pain. Vertex's strategy is to develop new drug types by selectively inhibiting NaV1.8. Compared to opioid drugs, they may provide better analgesic effects while avoiding side effects such as addiction. VX-548 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations in the U.S. for moderate to severe acute pain.