Benzofuran‐Based Uricosuric Agents: History, Roles, and Challenges

ABSTRACT

Benzofuran compounds have gained significant attention in medicinal research due to their remarkable reactivity, availability, and unique structure. These compounds exhibit potent enzyme inhibition and have demonstrated efficacy as agents in cancer therapy, antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory treatments, as well as in managing diabetes and depression. Notably, benzofuran can mimic certain antibodies, aiding in infection control. Over the past 50 years, benzofuran derivatives have been designed and developed into therapeutic drugs. Among these, two benzofuran‐containing drugs were approved for the treatment of gout, though they were later withdrawn in some countries due to hepatotoxicity concerns. Ongoing research, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials, continues to explore the potential of benzofuran derivatives in various medical applications. This review aims to investigate the potential of benzofuran derivatives as antigout agents, examining their mechanisms of action. Although some newly developed benzofuran‐containing compounds have been registered as new drugs in uricosuric therapy and have shown highly promising activities, further research is necessary to draw definitive conclusions.