Difluprednate

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Cat Number

API23674864

CAS Number

23674-86-4

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

23674-86-4

EINECS

245-815-4

Storage

Store at room temperature

Synonyms

Durezol; DFBA; Difluprednato; Epitopic; Difluprednatum; DTXSID0046773; Difluoroprednisolone butyrate acetate

Molecular Formula

C27H34F2O7

Molecular Weight

508.5

Smiles

CCCC(=O)O[C@@]1(CC[C@@H]2[C@@]1(C[C@@H]([C@]3([C@H]2C[C@@H](C4=CC(=O)C=C[C@@]43C)F)F)O)C)C(=O)COC(=O)C

Appearance

White to off-white powder

Melting Point

192-194°C

Boiling Point

600.3±55.0°C at 760 mmHg (Predicted)

Relative Density

1.3±0.1

General Description

Difluprednate is a potent, fluorinated, lipophilic corticosteroid with a difluoromethyl group at the 6α position and an acetate ester at the 17α and 21 positions. Its structure is derived from prednisolone, with substitution of two fluorine atoms and two ester groups that enhance corneal penetration and anti‑inflammatory potency. The molecule is approximately 15 times more potent than prednisolone acetate.

Mechanism of Action

Difluprednate binds to glucocorticoid receptors in ocular tissues, and the receptor‑ligand complex translocates to the nucleus to modulate gene transcription. It suppresses pro‑inflammatory cytokines (IL‑1, IL‑6, TNF‑α), reduces leukocyte migration, and inhibits phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase‑2 expression. The high lipophilicity allows difluprednate to penetrate intact corneal epithelium more efficiently than less lipophilic steroids.

Application

Difluprednate is indicated for the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery, particularly cataract extraction. It is also used for endogenous anterior uveitis and for the treatment of acute keratitis.

In a phase III double‑masked noninferiority trial (110 patients with mild‑to‑moderate endogenous anterior uveitis), difluprednate 0.05% four times daily alternating with vehicle (total 4 doses) was noninferior to prednisolone acetate 1% eight times daily for change in anterior chamber cell grade at day 14 (‑2.2 vs. ‑2.0, P=0.16). Complete clearing of cells was faster with difluprednate at day 3 (13.0% vs. 2.1%, P=0.046) and day 21 (73.9% vs. 63.8%, P=0.013). Mean IOP remained <21 mmHg in both groups, though a transient higher increase was seen with difluprednate at day 3. Difluprednate is well tolerated and noninferior, with faster early resolution.

Fig. 1 Intraocular pressure change from baseline in study eyes (safety population). (Sheppard JD, et al., 2014)

References

Sheppard JD, et al. Difluprednate 0.05% versus prednisolone acetate 1% for endogenous anterior uveitis: a phase III, multicenter, randomized study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014;55(5):2993-3002.

Does Difluprednate require protection from light and moisture during storage?

Yes, it is sensitive to both light and moisture. Store in original, tightly sealed, light-resistant containers with desiccant to prevent hydrolysis and photodegradation.

What is the recommended storage temperature for Difluprednate?

Store at controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Avoid excessive heat above 30°C, which accelerates de-esterification and oxidation of the corticosteroid ring.

Is Difluprednate stable in ophthalmic emulsion formulations?

Yes, when formulated with stabilizers and preservatives.

How is the impurity difluprednate free alcohol (hydrolysis product) monitored?

This degradation product is quantified using a stability-indicating HPLC method, ensuring it remains within pharmacopoeial limits.