Academic Journal
Urease inhibitors: current advances, therapeutic potentials, and clinical challenges.
| Title: | Urease inhibitors: current advances, therapeutic potentials, and clinical challenges. |
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| Authors: | Alzoubi OH; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan., Khamees A; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.; Princess Basma Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Health, Irbid, Jordan., Alzu'bi MB; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan., Freihat SF; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan., Attar A; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan., Abo Sameed H; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan., Alzubi R; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan., Alsamarah AA; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan., Yassin RY; Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan., Al-Shami K; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan., Al-Trad B; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia., Al-Zoubi RM; Surgical Research Section, Department of Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.; Department of Chemistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.; Department of Biomedical Sciences, QU-Health, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar., Al Zoubi MS; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan. |
| Source: | Future medicinal chemistry [Future Med Chem] 2026 Jul; Vol. 18 (14), pp. 1907-1923. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jun 15. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article; Review; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Taylor & Francis Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101511162 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1756-8927 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17568919 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Future Med Chem Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: 2024- : [Milton Park, Oxfordshire] : Taylor & Francis Original Publication: London : Future Science, 2009- |
| MeSH Terms: | Urease*/antagonists & inhibitors , Urease*/metabolism , Enzyme Inhibitors*/chemistry , Enzyme Inhibitors*/pharmacology , Enzyme Inhibitors*/therapeutic use, Helicobacter pylori/drug effects ; Helicobacter pylori/enzymology ; Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy ; Humans ; Animals |
| Abstract: | Urease is a nickel-dependent metalloenzyme that catalyzes urea hydrolysis, generating ammonia and elevating local pH, a process implicated in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease (PUD). To identify effective urease inhibitors, acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) remains the only FDA-approved agent, with clinical use constrained by toxicity. This review synthesizes current evidence on urease inhibition strategies, encompassing metal-based complexes, organic derivatives, natural products, peptide inhibitors, nanotechnology-enabled systems, and emerging gene-based approaches. Several candidates, including copper-based compounds and the natural alkaloid palmatine (PAL), demonstrate potent urease inhibition and favorable effects in preclinical models. However, translation to clinical practice is limited by safety concerns, instability, and a paucity of human trials. Advancing hybrid molecules, optimized delivery platforms, and combination therapies may enhance therapeutic efficacy. Rigorous clinical evaluation remains essential to establish urease inhibition as a viable strategy in urease-mediated diseases. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Helicobacter pylori; Urease inhibitors; acetohydroxamic acid; hepatic encephalopathy; struvite kidney stones |
| Substance Nomenclature: | EC 3.5.1.5 (Urease) 0 (Enzyme Inhibitors) |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260615 Date Completed: 20260703 Latest Revision: 20260706 |
| Update Code: | 20260707 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/17568919.2026.2684497 |
| PMID: | 42290516 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1756-8927 |
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| DOI: | 10.1080/17568919.2026.2684497 |