Propofol

Propofol, a widely used sedative/anesthetic agent, is a phenolic compound known for its rapid onset and brief duration of action. It is highly versatile, employed in various clinical settings for sedation, anesthesia, and more recently, as an investigational treatment. Originally developed by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) as ICI 35868, propofol was formulated into an emulsion to enhance solubility. The commercial version, launched in 1986 under the brand name Diprivan, consists of a 1% propofol solution with soybean oil and phospholipids as emulsifiers. This formulation addresses earlier issues related to hypersensitivity. Developed by veterinarian John B. Glen over 13 years, propofol was recognized with the 2018 Lasker Award for clinical research. Its journey from initial trials in 1977 to market introduction in 1986 highlights its significance in anesthesia. Recent developments include fospropofol (Lusedra), a water-soluble prodrug, which reduces injection site pain. Additionally, innovative derivatives like ciprofol, showing improved efficacy and fewer side effects, are under Phase III trials. Research also explores propofol's potential in treating treatment-resistant depression. In November 2024, the FDA approved PropofolVet Multidose for dogs, marking a milestone in veterinary medicine. This generic version offers reliable anesthetic properties and aligns with the established efficacy of brand-name counterparts like PropoFlo 28. Propofol's rapid onset, short recovery time, and minimal nausea compared to opioids make it invaluable in clinical practice. Ongoing research promises further innovations, enhancing its role in both human and veterinary medicine.