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Fluorouracil 0.5%

Wake Forest University · FDA-approved active Small molecule Under review Quality 0/100

Fluorouracil 0.5% is a Antimetabolite, pyrimidine analog Small molecule drug developed by Wake Forest University. It is currently FDA-approved for Actinic keratosis (topical 0.5%), Superficial basal cell carcinoma (topical). Also known as: Carac.

Fluorouracil is a pyrimidine antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase and gets incorporated into RNA and DNA, disrupting nucleotide synthesis and cell division.

Fluorouracil 0.5% is a small molecule inhibitor of thymidylate synthase, a class of INHIBITOR drugs. It is used to treat various conditions, including Esophageal Neoplasms, Head and Neck Cancer, Actinic Keratoses, Cancer, and Solid Tumors, often in combination with other treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

At a glance

Generic nameFluorouracil 0.5%
Also known asCarac
SponsorWake Forest University
Drug classAntimetabolite, pyrimidine analog
TargetThymidylate synthase; RNA and DNA incorporation
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology; Dermatology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Fluorouracil (5-FU) is converted intracellularly to active metabolites that inhibit thymidylate synthase, blocking dTMP synthesis and thus DNA replication. It also incorporates into RNA, disrupting protein synthesis. The 0.5% topical formulation is used for localized skin lesions where it exerts cytotoxic effects on rapidly dividing cells.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Fluorouracil 0.5%

What is Fluorouracil 0.5%?

Fluorouracil 0.5% is a Antimetabolite, pyrimidine analog drug developed by Wake Forest University, indicated for Actinic keratosis (topical 0.5%), Superficial basal cell carcinoma (topical).

How does Fluorouracil 0.5% work?

Fluorouracil is a pyrimidine antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase and gets incorporated into RNA and DNA, disrupting nucleotide synthesis and cell division.

What is Fluorouracil 0.5% used for?

Fluorouracil 0.5% is indicated for Actinic keratosis (topical 0.5%), Superficial basal cell carcinoma (topical).

Who makes Fluorouracil 0.5%?

Fluorouracil 0.5% is developed and marketed by Wake Forest University (see full Wake Forest University pipeline at /company/wake-forest-university).

Is Fluorouracil 0.5% also known as anything else?

Fluorouracil 0.5% is also known as Carac.

What drug class is Fluorouracil 0.5% in?

Fluorouracil 0.5% belongs to the Antimetabolite, pyrimidine analog class. See all Antimetabolite, pyrimidine analog drugs at /class/antimetabolite-pyrimidine-analog.

What development phase is Fluorouracil 0.5% in?

Fluorouracil 0.5% is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Fluorouracil 0.5%?

Common side effects of Fluorouracil 0.5% include Local irritation, erythema, and inflammation at application site, Photosensitivity, Burning and stinging sensation, Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

What does Fluorouracil 0.5% target?

Fluorouracil 0.5% targets Thymidylate synthase; RNA and DNA incorporation and is a Antimetabolite, pyrimidine analog.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing