A carbon-silicon switched version of ibuprofen, one of the drugs on the WHO "Essential Medicine List", was synthesized, characterized and extensive quantum crystallographic and theoretical studies performed to evaluate its potential as a possible substitute for conventional ibuprofen.
Its 4-times higher solubility and similar binding affinity in the COX-I and COX-II active site promise good applicability as a potential Non-Steroidal-Anti-Inflammatory-Drug (NSAID). The in-vitro tests show similar inhibitory potential of sila-ibuprofen compared to the conventional drug.

This work was carried out in the group of PD Dr. Simon Grabowsky.

References:

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