The therapeutic application of lanthanides

Area of Science:

• Inorganic chemistry
• Medicinal chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Lanthanides exhibit biological properties due to their chemical similarity to calcium.
• Historical and recent therapeutic applications of lanthanides are being explored.
• Understanding lanthanide biological chemistry is key to developing new treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biological properties of lanthanides and their therapeutic applications.
• To discuss the historical medical uses of lanthanides.
• To highlight recent advances, including approved metal-based drugs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of lanthanide biological chemistry.
• Analysis of historical medical uses.
• Examination of recent therapeutic successes and drug development.

Main Results:

• Lanthanides possess unique biological properties stemming from calcium mimicry.
• Lanthanum carbonate is a newly approved phosphate binder for hyperphosphatemia.
• Significant progress has been made in lanthanide-based drug development.

Conclusions:

• Lanthanides offer a promising area for therapeutic intervention.
• The biological chemistry of lanthanides underpins their medicinal value.
• Further research into metal-based drugs, including lanthanides, is warranted.