A nitric oxide donor formed in a tablet

What is it about?

The primary S-nitrosothiol, S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNAC) is a nitric oxide (NO) donor with potential pharmaceutical applications for the oral treatment of hepatic steatosis and cirrhosis and for protection against gastric acid-peptic disorders. However, its low thermal stability precludes the preparation of stable dosage forms based on pre-synthesized SNAC. In this study, we describe an innovative strategy for the oral administration of SNAC based on its intra-tablet formation via the S-nitrosation reaction of its parent stable thiol, N-acetyl-L-cysteine by nitrous acid during the absorption of water by the tablet. The proposed strategy allows for the manufacturing of thermally stable oral dosage forms for the controlled release of SNAC in the enteric medium.

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Why is it important?

In this paper, we describe an innovative approach to the oral administration of the nitric oxide (NO) donor S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNAC) based on its intra-tablet formation after water absorption by the tablet. This approach is important because it overcomes the difficulties associated with the decreased thermal stability of SNAC, allowing for its use in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

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