Analysis of US FDA-Approved Drugs Containing Sulfur Atoms

Abstract

In this review, we discuss all sulfur-containing FDA-approved drugs and their structures. The second section of the review is dedicated to structural analysis and is divided into 14 subsections, each focusing on one type of sulfur-containing moiety. A concise graphical representation of each class features drugs that are organized on the basis of structural similarity, evolutionary relevance, and medical indication. This review offers a unique and comprehensive overview of the structural features of all sulfur-containing FDA-approved drugs to date.

Sodium Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanesulfinate: A Bench‐Stable Precursor for Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentylsulfones and Bicyclo‐ [1.1.1]pentanesulfonamides

“…Sulfones and sulfonamides are, among other sulfur‐containing groups, common moieties in drug compounds, with eletriptan ( 1 ), a serotonin receptor agonist, and bosentan ( 2 ), an endothelin receptor antagonist, just two of many examples (Figure a) . ‘Escaping the flatland’ is a common trend in recent years, in which the bioisosteric replacement of planar aromatic moieties by saturated hydrocarbons can improve pharmacological properties of drug candidates .…”

Antimicrobial sulphonamide azo dyes

“…The sulphasalazine (SSZ) antibiotic 68 ( Figure 17) was synthesised by the reaction of sulphapyridine with 5-aminosalicylic acid to form azo bonds. SSZ acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent 74,75 and is an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and to control active ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. 76 However, SSZ can create adverse reactions, leading to disorder in the haemopoietic system and potential carcinogenic effects.…”

Visible‐Light‐Induced 3‐Component Synthesis of Sulfonylated Oxindoles by Fixation of Sulfur Dioxide

“…Sulfonyl‐containing compounds, such as sulfones (R‐SO 2 ‐R) or sulfonyl chlorides (R‐SO 2 ‐Cl) are important building blocks in organic synthesis . Sulfones and especially sulfonamides (R‐SO 2 –NR 2 ) are frequently found in active pharmaceutical ingredients , . Selected examples are shown in Figure : the sulfone eletriptan is used for the treatment of migraine; bicalutamide, a sulfone, is primarily used to treat prostate cancer; the sulfonamide prontosil is the first systematically employed antibiotic; the sulfonamide rosuvastatin is a HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor for the treatment of high cholesterol levels …”