Balsalazide disodium (CAS 213594-60-6)

Balsalazide disodium, a prodrug of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), has been extensively investigated for its potential applications in scientific research, particularly in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Upon oral administration, balsalazide disodium undergoes enzymatic cleavage by bacterial azoreductases in the colon, releasing 5-ASA and the carrier molecule, 4-aminobenzoyl-β-alanine. This mechanism enables targeted delivery of 5-ASA to the inflamed intestinal mucosa, where it exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and modulating the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and other transcription factors involved in the inflammatory response. In research settings, balsalazide disodium and its active metabolite, 5-ASA, have been utilized in various in vitro and in vivo models to investigate their anti-inflammatory properties and explain the underlying mechanisms of action in IBD pathogenesis. Furthermore, studies have explored the potential of balsalazide disodium in combination therapies and novel drug delivery systems aimed at enhancing its efficacy and bioavailability for the treatment of IBD. Beyond IBD, research efforts have also investigated the potential of balsalazide disodium in other inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, highlighting its versatility as a research tool in understanding and managing chronic inflammatory disorders.