Irtemazole (R 60844) is a novel uricosuric substance that is valuable in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout.

Irtemazole (12.5 to 50 mg; oral; 6 patients) caused a maximal decrease in plasma uric acid (after 8 to 12 h) of 46.5%. The uricosuric effect began during the first 60 min after drug administration and it lasted for 7 to 24 h. Renal uric acid excretion returned to its base line value after 8 to 16 h and uric acid clearance after 10.0 to 12.0 h. Doses of irtemazole between 12.5 and 37.5 mg produced a dose-related rise in the uricosuric effect. There was no essential difference between the uricosuric effect of 37.5 mg and 50 mg irtemazole. The D50 dose (that producing a half-maximal effect) was between 16.3 mg and 34.2 mg, (average 24.7 mg). The value of irtemazole in the management of hyperuricaemia and gout remains to be determined.[2]