Nitazoxanide is originally developed as a thiazolide antiprotozoal agent that shows excellent
in vitro activity against a variety of microorganisms, including a broad range of protozoa and helminths. Nitazoxanide is a prodrug, and following oral administration in animals, nitazoxanide is rapidly hydrolyzed to an active metabolite, tizoxanide [
T3862] (desacetyl-nitazoxanide) by esterase. The antiprotozoal activity of tizoxanide is believed to be due to interference with the pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) enzyme-dependent electron transfer reaction which is essential to anaerobic energy metabolism. Recently, antiviral activity of nitazoxanide against a broad range of other RNA and DNA viruses such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and influenza virus has been recognized in
in vitro systems. Nitazoxanide is synergistic with neuraminidase inhibitors, and also inhibits the replication of a broad range of viruses. (The product is for research purpose only.)