Name: China Supplier High Quality Best Price Disulfiram CAS 97-77-8
Brand: Wuhan Fortuna Chemical Co., Ltd.

Items	Specifications	Results
Appearance	Yellow Crystalline Powder	Yellow Crystalline Powder
Infrared spectrum	Conforms to structure	Conforms to structure
Melting point	69℃	73℃
Purity(GC)	97%	100%
Conclusion	The result conform to the Specification

Disulfiram is a medication primarily known for its use in supporting the treatment of chronic alcohol use disorder. It functions as an alcohol-deterrent therapy by causing a severe unpleasant physical reaction when alcohol is consumed. Beyond this primary use, it is an old drug that has gained significant modern interest for its potential anti-cancer and anti-infective properties.

1. Primary Use and Mechanism: Alcohol Use Disorder

Disulfiram's most well-known mechanism is the inhibition of enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism.

Normal Alcohol Metabolism: When you drink alcohol, your body breaks it down in two main steps:

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic and unpleasant compound.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) then rapidly converts acetaldehyde into harmless acetate.
Disulfiram's Action: Disulfiram irreversibly inhibits the ALDH enzyme. This causes a rapid and significant buildup of acetaldehyde in the bloodstream if alcohol is consumed.
The "Disulfiram-Ethanol Reaction": This acetaldehyde buildup leads to intensely unpleasant symptoms within 5-10 minutes of alcohol consumption, which can last for an hour or more. Symptoms include:

Flushing of the skin
Severe throbbing headache
Nausea and violent vomiting
Sweating, dizziness, and blurred vision
Chest pain, palpitations, and hypotension
Weakness and anxiety
In severe cases, respiratory depression and arrhythmias can occur.

This negative reinforcement is designed to serve as a powerful psychological deterrent, helping individuals maintain abstinence as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and support.

2. Repurposing as an Anti-Cancer Agent

A major area of current research involves repurposing disulfiram for oncology. Its anti-cancer effects are believed to be separate from its ALDH inhibition and are primarily activated by copper (Cu) within the body.

Mechanism: After ingestion, disulfiram is metabolized into diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), which chelates (binds) copper ions to form a complex (Cu(DDC)₂).

Key Actions: This complex targets and inhibits multiple pathways critical for cancer survival and growth:

Proteasome Inhibition: It blocks the proteasome, the cellular machinery that degrades damaged proteins, leading to an accumulation of toxic waste and cancer cell death.
NF-κB Pathway Inhibition: This suppresses genes involved in cell proliferation and metastasis.
Cancer Stem Cell Targeting: It appears effective against treatment-resistant cancer stem cells.
Induction of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Causing oxidative stress that damages cancer cells.

Clinical trials are actively investigating its efficacy, particularly against aggressive, treatment-resistant cancers like glioblastoma, often in combination with copper supplements to enhance its effect.

3. Other Uses

Anti-parasitic: It has been used off-label for decades to treat scabies and lice infestations, as it is toxic to the parasites.
Anti-fungal: It exhibits antifungal properties.
Cocaine Dependence: Some studies have explored its use for cocaine addiction, as it inhibits dopamine β-hydroxylase, potentially altering the reward pathway.

Important Considerations

Supervision Required: Disulfiram therapy must be initiated under medical supervision after a period of confirmed abstinence. Patients must be fully informed of the risks of the alcohol reaction.
Contraindications: It should not be used in patients with severe heart disease, psychosis, or pregnancy.
"Hidden" Alcohol: Patients must avoid all sources of alcohol, including mouthwash, cough syrups, perfumes, and even some food preparations (e.g., sauces flambéed with alcohol).

In essence, disulfiram is a well-established deterrent therapy for alcoholism that has found a surprising and promising second life as a potential multi-targeted agent in the fight against cancer.