Iminosugars are naturally occurring carbohydrate analogues, where a nitrogen atom replaces the oxygen ring atom, and have been known since the early 1970’s.
These natural compounds and their synthetic derivatives can be exploited as inhibitors of carbohydrate-processing enzymes and have promise as therapeutics agents for the treatment of many diseases.
Iminosugars are currently under development for lyposomal storage diseases such as Fabry disease and Gaucher disease.
They are also being explored for their activity as antivirals, anti-inflamatory agents in cystic fibrosis (CF), and recent studies also show evidence of potential joint health and cognitive health benefits.
Iminosugars are sugar analogues endowed with a high pharmacological potential and an excellent drug profile.