Auranofin is an orally available compound, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, with anti-inflammatory activities. The main mechanism of action of auranofin is through the inhibition of reduction/oxidation (redox) enzymes such as thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). The thiol ligand contained in auranofin has a high affinity for thiol and selenol groups, to which it forms stable, and irreversible, adducts. Redox enzymes such as TrxR are essential to many cellular processes, particularly in maintaining the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
This medicinal substance has been classified in the anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification according to its main therapeutic use as follows:
Auranofin is the active ingredient of these drugs:
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