What is "ebselen"

n. A mimic of glutathione peroxidase, being investigated as a possible treatment for reperfusion injury, stroke, and tinnitus.

Ebselen (also called PZ 51, DR3305, and SPI-1005), is a synthetic organoselenium drug molecule with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and cytoprotective activity. It acts as a mimic of glutathione peroxidase and can also react with peroxynitrite. It is being investigated as a possible treatment for reperfusion injury and stroke, hearing loss and tinnitus, and bipolar disorder.

Additionally, ebselen may be effective against Clostridium difficile infections.

Ebselen is a potent scavenger of hydrogen peroxide as well as hydroperoxides including membrane bound phospholipid and cholesterylester hydroperoxides. Several ebselen analogues have been shown to scavenge hydrogen peroxide in the presence of thiols.