[Investigation of vasoactive agents with indole skeletons at Richter Ltd]

Investigation of agents with indol skeleton was started in Richter Ltd. 50 years ago. This paper presents the results obtained by Richter's scientists. At first, a vasoactive alcaloid, vincamine was extracted from the leaves of Vinca minor in industrial quantity in 1955. This agent selectively improves the cerebral blood supply. Vincamine (Devincan) is used for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders from 1959. Vinpocetine (Cavinton), the most powerful vasoactive compound was produced by transforming the chemical structure of vincamine. Cavinton is a cis(3S,16S)-derivate of vincamine having antianoxic, antiischaemic and neuroprotective properties. Therefore, it is frequently used in the therapy of cerebral disorders of vascular origin. Cavinton was introduced into clinical practice in 1978. At present, Cavinton tablets are approved in 47 countries. The third compound, vintoperol is a trans(3S,16R)-derivate of vincamine. Vintoperol proved to be a powerful enhancer of blood flow in the lower extremities. Because of its toxic side effects the agent is not used in clinical practice.