Benznidazole

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Cat Number

API0231566

CAS Number

22994-85-0

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

22994-85-0

EINECS

624-902-4

Storage

Store at room temperature

Synonyms

Benznidazol; Radanil; Benzonidazole; Rochagan; benzonidazol; Benznidazolum; N-benzyl-2-(2-nitroimidazol-1-yl)acetamide

Molecular Formula

C12H12N4O3

Molecular Weight

260.25

Smiles

C1=CC=C(C=C1)CNC(=O)CN2C=CN=C2[N+](=O)[O-]

Appearance

Off-white to light yellow powder

Melting Point

189-192℃

Relative Density

1.35

General Description

Benznidazole is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial designated as an orphan drug by the FDA for the treatment of Chagas disease, an orphan disease in the United States. It is the first treatment made available in the U.S. for this condition and is indicated for pediatric patients ages 2 to 12 years. The drug is a member of the imidazoles and a C-nitro compound, functioning as an antiprotozoal agent.

Mechanism of Action

Benznidazole is a prodrug that requires nitroreductase-catalyzed activation within the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite to exert its trypanocidal activity. The activated drug generates radical species in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, which are capable of damaging parasitic DNA. This damage subsequently inhibits the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein within the parasite, leading to its death.

Application

It is indicated for the treatment of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. In the U.S., it is approved for use in pediatric patients aged 2 to 12 years. The CDC also recommends antiparasitic treatment for all cases of acute or reactivated Chagas disease and for chronic infection in children up to age 18; treatment is also recommended for infected adults 18 to 50 years old without advanced cardiomyopathy.

A systematic review and meta‑analysis of 60 studies (189 assays) examined whether genetic variability in Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs) associates with in vitro benznidazole susceptibility. At 24 hours of drug exposure, TcI trypomastigotes were notably less sensitive than TcII. However, funnel plots revealed high data heterogeneity within DTUs and even within single strains, preventing reliable assignment of DTUs to distinct sensitivity groups. The authors conclude that while parasite genetics should not be ignored during drug development, uniform experimental conditions and multi‑DTU screening are urgently needed when optimizing new Chagas disease treatments.

Fig. 1 Meta-analysis of benznidazole LC50 and IC50 mean values. (Vela A, et al., 2021)

References

Vela A,et al. In vitro susceptibility of Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs) to benznidazole: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021;15(3):e0009269.

Does Benznidazole require protection from light during long-term storage?

Yes, it is photosensitive. Exposure to light can cause photodegradation and discoloration. Store in light-resistant containers, preferably amber glass, in a cool, dry place.

What is the recommended storage temperature for Benznidazole?

Store at controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Avoid temperatures above 30°C, as heat accelerates the formation of the nitro-reduction degradation product.

Is Benznidazole stable under humid conditions, or is moisture control necessary?

It is slightly hygroscopic. In high humidity (>70% RH), it may absorb moisture and hydrolyze. We recommend storage with desiccant in tightly sealed containers.

How is the genotoxic impurity 2-nitroaniline monitored during stability?

Using a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method, we control 2-nitroaniline levels to below the TTC threshold, as it is a potential degradation product of Benznidazole.