New Sights on Arthritis
Chemical & Engineering News · 1956
NEW STEROID HORMONES that show more promise than those now available are being lined up for a new attack on arthritis. In the assault are American Cyanamid, Upjohn, and Squibb. Their secret: "Tailor-made" cortisone cousins with fewer side effects than present materials. All three companies have come to new steroids through modifications of existing products. Main purpose of the work is to come up with a steroid showing less and less side effects than those now used in arthritis therapy. Prednisone and prednisolone solve the salt retention problem common to earlier arthritis drugs. But there is still room for improvement via products with less loss of nitrogen and calcium and also something without gastrointestinal effects. Actually, potency is of secondary consideration—although a nice property to get as a bonus. That Cyanamid's name is in the line-up is significant, for it marks the company's entrance into the steroid field. Cyanamid's product ...