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ketoprofen (Diractin / ketoprofen, IDEA / Diractin)

✓ Approved

IDEA AG · PTGS1 · Small Molecule

What is ketoprofen?

ketoprofen is a small molecule developed by IDEA AG. It is approved for therapeutic indications via topical or transdermal.

Drug Profile

Brand NamesDiractin, ketoprofen, IDEA, Diractin
CompanyIDEA AG
Drug ClassSmall Molecule
Molecular TargetPTGS1, PTGS2
RouteTopical, Transdermal
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, IDEA AG

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targets

ketoprofen acts on 2 molecular targets:

PTGS1prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 (COX3, PCOX1)
PTGS2prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (GRIPGHS, hCox-2)
Want deeper analysis?Noah AI can explain complex mechanisms and compare to similar drugs.

Therapeutic Indications

ketoprofen is developed for 1 unique indication across 1 therapeutic area.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disordersMusculoskeletal pain✓ Approved

Related Research Articles

PubMedDrug development and industrial pharmacy2026-09-18

Influence of Infill Pattern on Ketoprofen Release Rate from 3D Printed Buccal FilmsInfluence of Infill Pattern on Ketoprofen Release Rate from 3D Printed Buccal Films.

Čanji Panić Jelena J, Todorović Nemanja N, Rančić Milica M, Kalaba Milica M et al.

To evaluate whether fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing, combined with a simple filament soaking technique and modifications of infill pattern geometry, can modulate the release rate of ketoprofen from buccal films.Significance: This proof-of-concept approach explores a low-complexity strategy for producing personalized buccal dosage forms with adjustable drug release using commercially available materials and minimal processing steps. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) filaments were loaded with ketoprofen by soaking in a saturated ketoprofen solution in absolute ethanol. Buccal films were 3D-printed using two infill patterns (lines and triangle). Drug content was quantified by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. Solid-state characterization was performed using DSC and FTIR. Dissolution testing was conducted for 120 min in 200 mL phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). Ketoprofen-loaded films were successfully printed from soaked commercial PVA filaments. DSC and FTIR indicated conversion of ketoprofen to an amorphous form and possible solid dispersion formation within the polymer matrix. Infill geometry influenced drug release: triangle-pattern films showed slower release (79 ± 2% at 120 min) compared with line-pattern films (96 ± 5% at 120 min). Combining filament soaking with FDM 3D printing enables fabrication of ketoprofen buccal films with sustained release. Simple infill pattern modifications effectively modulate release profiles, highlighting the potential of this accessible approach for personalized buccal drug delivery.

PMID 42758007
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PubMedEuropean endodontic journal2026-09-13

Enhanced Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Effects of Calcium Hydroxide Combined with NSAIDs Against Enterococcus faecalis: An In Vitro Study.

Abdullatef Hanan H, Omar Omar O, Aldandan Jaffar J, Abuohashish Hatem H et al.

This study aims to evaluate i) the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) when combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), and ii) to assess the inflammatory and cytocompatibility responses of this combination in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Three-week-old E. faecalis biofilms were developed on human dentine blocks and subsequently treated for 1 week with Ca(OH)2 alone or combined with 20% ketoprofen (Keto), 20% diclofenac sodium, or gentamicin. Biofilm disruption was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while gelatinase (GelE) activity served as a marker of bacterial virulence. Culture supernatants were used to stimulate PBMCs in vitro for 24 hours. The immunomodulatory responses of PBMCs were evaluated using fluorescence microscopy, NucleoCounter NC-202™ cell analysis for live/total cell counts and viability, and ELISA for TNF-α and IL-1β secretion. All medicated groups showed significantly reduced GelE activity compared to untreated controls, with the most substantial suppression observed in the Ca(OH)2 + diclofenac group. While Ca(OH)2 + diclofenac and Ca(OH)2 + gentamicin were most effective in reduceding TNF-α and IL-1β levels, Ca(OH)2 + diclofenac was also associated with the lowest PBMCs viability and highest cell aggregation. Ca(OH)2 + Keto preserved PBMCs viability while maintaining anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Combining Ca(OH)2 with diclofenac sodium or Keto enhances the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory efficacy of Ca(OH)2 against E. faecalis biofilms. Ca(OH)2 + diclofenac reduced PBMCs viability, suggesting a strong immunosuppressive effect that may be beneficial in dampening excessive inflammation but also raises concerns regarding cytocompatibility and dose optimization. Ca(OH)2 + keto demonstrated a more favourable balance between antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility, supporting its potential as a non-antibiotic adjunct in intracanal medication protocols.

PMID 42732580
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PubMedInternational ophthalmology2026-09-06

Neuroprotective effects of ketamine, lamotrigine, and ketoprofen combinations after pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection.

Paques Mila W MW, Bellanda Victor V, Guizzo Renato R, Siqueira Rubens C RC et al.

This experimental study aims to assess the protective impact of combined treatment with ketamine (KTM), lamotrigine (LMT), and ketoprofen (KTP), agents that have demonstrated neuroprotective properties in other experimental contexts, on rabbit retinas in an experimental model of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and silicone oil injection (SOI). Thirty-six rabbits were divided into six treatment groups: saline, KTP, KTM+LMT, KTM+KTP, LMT+KTP, and KTM+LMT+KTP. All rabbits underwent PPV and SOI in the right eye. The left eyes served as negative controls. Histological assessments were conducted to evaluate cell densities and structural changes in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), the inner nuclear layer (INL), and the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Apoptosis was evaluated using the TUNEL method. The KTP group exhibited reduced apoptosis and partial protection in all retinal layers. The KTM+LMT combination significantly protected the GCL. The KTM+KTP group showed notable protection in the INL. The LMT+KTP combination was effective for both the INL and GCL. The KTM+LMT+KTP combination provided the most comprehensive protection across the ONL and INL. The cell densities in the ONL, INL, and GCL were significantly greater in the treatment groups than in the positive control group. The combination of KTM, LMT, and KTP exhibited significant neuroprotective effects on rabbit retinas following PPV and SOI. These findings suggest the potential of this combination treatment as a therapeutic strategy for retinal pathologies.

PMID 42700282
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PubMedJournal of translational medicine2026-09-04

Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in obesity-induced postoperative neurocognitive disorders.

Tropis Clémence C, Labaste François F, Sallese Marie M, Dortignac Alizée A et al.

Postoperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is characterized by cognitive deficits that emerge after surgery. Although often reversible within weeks or months, PND can persist and lead to significant central dysfunction and an increased risk of dementia. Given that obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition previously associated with structural and functional brain alterations, we hypothesized and demonstrated that it could be a significant risk factor for PND. We assessed the incidence of PND and cognitive performance in obese individuals undergoing cardiac or orthopedic surgeries. In parallel, we developed a preclinical model combining diet-induced obesity in mice with surgically induced tibial fracture. Pharmacological (ketoprofen), surgical (adipose tissue ablation), and behavioral (calorie restriction) interventions were used to target obesity-associated inflammation. Compared with nonobese individuals, obese patients presented a greater incidence of early postoperative cognitive changes and lower cognitive performance (p < 0.009). In mice, the combination of obesity and surgery results in exacerbated signs of PND. Importantly, obesity-related PND in mice was prevented by interventions that reduced central and systemic inflammation. These findings identify obesity-driven fat mass and inflammation as strong risk factors for PND for the first time. Targeting obesity-associated inflammatory mechanisms may represent an effective strategy to reduce the incidence of this debilitating postoperative condition.

PMID 42693469
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PubMedAnimal reproduction science2026-09-03

Combined hCG and ketoprofen treatment improves dairy cow pregnancy rates through proposed complementary mechanisms: Luteal metabolic reprogramming and endometrial PGF2α suppression.

Kolachi Hubdar Ali HA, Zhang Xiaomeng X, Shahzad Muhammad M, Ayantoye Jesse Oluwaseun JO et al.

We investigated whether combining human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) with ketoprofen after timed artificial insemination (TAI) improves pregnancy rates and explored the underlying mechanisms through serum metabolomics and in vitro endometrial cell analysis. Dairy cows (n = 710) were allocated to three groups: hCG + ketoprofen (1500 IU hCG on day 7 and ketoprofen at 3 mg/kg on days 15-16 of TAI; n = 249), hCG only (1500 IU hCG on day 7 of TAI; n = 246), or control (n = 215). After adjusting for parity, days in milk, body condition score, and milk yield using multivariable logistic regression, the overall treatment effect was significant (χ² = 7.24, df = 2, P = 0.027). The hCG + ketoprofen group had a higher pregnancy rate than the control (adjusted OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.12-2.37; P = 0.028, Tukey-adjusted). However, the hCG-only group did not differ significantly from the control group (adjusted OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.79-1.68; P = 0.756, Tukey-adjusted). Serum metabolomic profiling by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified 17 significantly differential metabolites between hCG + ketoprofen and hCG only groups, with KEGG pathway enrichment revealing unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis as the most prominently altered pathway. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenged bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs), ketoprofen significantly enhanced cell viability (0.5998 ± 0.0043 vs. 0.4498 ± 0.0037; p < 0.0001), reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and suppressed PGF2α secretion by 36% (29.2 ± 2.77 vs. 45.6 ± 5.36 pg/mL; p < 0.0001). Additionally, ketoprofen downregulated the expression of key prostaglandin synthesis and steroidogenesis genes, including PTGS2, PLA2G4A, PTGFR, VEGFA, STAR, and CYP11A1. These findings suggest that hCG + ketoprofen treatment may enhance pregnancy rates through potentially complementary mechanisms, though these proposed mechanisms remain hypothetical and require in vivo confirmation.

PMID 42691782
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PubMedTranslational sports medicine2026-09-03

Topical Analgesic Therapies for Acute, Sports-Associated Soft Tissue Injuries.

Howard Mitchell S MS, Lee-Smith Wade W, Reinert Justin P JP

Acute musculoskeletal injuries are common among sports participants and are frequently treated with topical analgesics; however, the comparative efficacy and safety of topical formulations remain under investigation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and alternative topical therapies in the management of acute sports-associated soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, contusions, and soreness. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, including randomized controlled trials that evaluated topical NSAIDs or other topical analgesics in patients with acute sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. Bias was assessed with the RoB-2 tool. The primary efficacy outcome was reduction in pain, measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) or similar validated tools, while the primary safety outcome was the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse effects. Eight randomized controlled trials comprising 1027 patient encounters met inclusion criteria. Across studies, topical diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and etofenamate demonstrated statistically significant reductions in VAS pain scores compared with placebo. Meta-analysis of all included trials revealed no significant reduction in pain intensity in active topical interventions versus placebo (95% CI -0.3768-5.2806; p = 0.09). A direct comparative analysis of diclofenac versus other NSAIDs did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference (effect size -2.07; 95% CI -5.60-1.46; p = 0.25), though heterogeneity of studies may limit these findings. Adverse effects were primarily mild and localized and were no different between groups (RR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.45-1.39; p = 0.41). Topical NSAIDs and alternative topical formulations may provide improved pain outcomes but did not show superiority between NSAID agents.

PMID 42688406
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