Tranilast: A Pharmaceutical Candidate for Reduction of Adhesions Using a Novel Approach

Postsurgical adhesion formation has numerous deleterious side effects in a wide variety of surgical settings. Physical barriers used together with laparoscopy were developed in hopes of reducing the tissue trauma seen with open procedures and separating tissues during the critical time of healing to reduce adhesion formation. Despite meticulous techniques by surgeons and the availability of barriers, adhesion formation remains a serious problem, with more than $1 billion spent annually on complications arising from adhesions. Our laboratories have combined a previously marketed drug, Tranilast, with a gel to provide a locally delivered medicated device that can reduce adhesion formation. This article will review the role of Tranilast in the key pathways involved in adhesion formation.