AS-3201 is a structurally novel and stereospecifically potent aldose reductase (AKR1B; EC 1.1.1.21) inhibitor, which contains a succinimide ring that undergoes ring-opening at physiological pH levels. (en)
AS-3201 alleviates diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, by inhibiting aldose reductase and thereby inhibiting the accumulation of intracellular sorbitol that causes diabetic neuropathy. This drug has a stronger inhibitory effect and is longer acting compared to other drugs in this therapeutic area. AS-3201 showed good penetration into the nerve tissue, resulting in dose-dependent inhibition of intraneural accumulation of sorbitol and fructose in a clinical study. (en)