What is Trodusquemine (MSI-1436)?
Trodusquemine, also known as MSI-1436, is a naturally occurring aminosterol compound originally isolated from the dogfish shark Squalus acanthias [1.8.5]. It functions as a non-competitive, allosteric inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) [1.5.1, 1.6.2]. This mechanism of action gives it a wide range of potential therapeutic properties. PTP1B is an enzyme that plays a negative regulatory role in insulin and leptin signaling pathways [1.5.2, 1.5.3]. By inhibiting PTP1B, trodusquemine can enhance these signals, which is why it has been investigated for its potential in treating metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes [1.6.1, 1.5.5]. Additionally, because it can cross the blood-brain barrier, it may exert effects centrally, such as suppressing appetite [1.5.1].
Investigational Status and Lack of Commercial Price
As of late 2025, Trodusquemine is not an FDA-approved drug for any indication [1.3.1]. A drug must undergo a rigorous multi-phase clinical trial process to demonstrate safety and efficacy before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will approve it for marketing and sale to the public. Trodusquemine has been evaluated in Phase 1 and 1b clinical trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes, where it was found to be well-tolerated [1.4.2]. However, the development has been hampered by financial issues with the developing companies. Genaera Corporation, an early developer, ceased operations in 2009 [1.5.2]. The rights were later acquired by other companies, including Ohr Pharmaceuticals and subsequently DepYmed, but planned Phase 2 trials were halted [1.4.7, 1.5.2].
Because it is not an approved medication, you cannot get a prescription for Trodusquemine from a doctor or purchase it at a commercial pharmacy. Therefore, there is no established consumer or insurance-negotiated cost for the drug in the USA. The prices found online are exclusively for the sale of the chemical compound to qualified research institutions and laboratories for preclinical study, not for human or veterinary use [1.2.4, 1.7.5].
Research-Use Cost of Trodusquemine
The price of Trodusquemine for research purposes varies considerably between chemical supply companies. These prices are for small, non-clinical quantities and are not indicative of a potential future market price if the drug were ever approved. For example, prices can range from around $360 for 500 micrograms to several thousand dollars for larger quantities like 50 or 100 milligrams [1.2.2].
Several suppliers list prices online for various quantities:
- One supplier lists 1mg for $459.00 and 50mg for $4,597.00 [1.2.1].
- Another offers 1mg for $535.00 and 50mg for $4,215.00 [1.2.2].
- A third supplier prices 5mg at a total of $2,125.00 [1.2.3].
These costs reflect the synthesis and purification of the compound for laboratory experiments and carry explicit warnings that the product is for research use only [1.2.4, 1.7.5].
Potential Therapeutic Applications
Despite its stalled clinical development for obesity, research into Trodusquemine's potential continues across various fields due to its unique mechanism.
- Metabolic Diseases: Its primary focus has been on obesity and type 2 diabetes due to its role in enhancing insulin and leptin sensitivity [1.5.5].
- Cardiovascular Disease: Preclinical studies in mice showed it could reverse the buildup of fat in arteries, suggesting a potential role in treating atherosclerosis [1.3.3].
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: Research has explored its effects on protein aggregation associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Studies suggest it can displace toxic protein oligomers from cell membranes [1.6.4, 1.6.5].
- Tissue Regeneration: In animal models like zebrafish and mice, Trodusquemine has been shown to stimulate the regeneration of heart and muscle tissue [1.4.2, 1.5.5].
Comparison of Investigational vs. Approved Drugs
| Feature | Trodusquemine (Investigational) | Approved Prescription Drug (e.g., Metformin) |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Not Approved [1.3.1] | Approved |
| Availability | Research labs and institutions only [1.7.5] | Widely available via prescription at pharmacies |
| Cost Basis | Price per milligram for chemical compound [1.2.1, 1.2.2] | Price per pill/dose, influenced by insurance & pharmacy |
| Indication | None approved; multiple areas of research [1.5.5] | Specific, FDA-approved indications |
| Human Use | Not for human use [1.3.1] | Primary purpose is for human therapeutic use |
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no commercial or patient-facing cost for Trodusquemine in the USA because it is an investigational compound that has not received FDA approval. Its development has been stalled for years due to financial challenges faced by its developers [1.4.7, 1.5.2]. The compound can be purchased by scientific researchers, with prices for small quantities ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, but this is strictly for non-clinical, laboratory-based studies [1.2.4]. While Trodusquemine has shown promise in preclinical models for a variety of conditions, from diabetes to heart disease and neurodegeneration, its future as a potential therapeutic remains uncertain.
Authoritative Outbound Link: For more in-depth scientific information on Trodusquemine, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation provides a detailed report on its mechanisms and research history [1.5.2].
