Reproductive Toxicology of Boron Analogs of Biomolecules

Boron analogs of biomolecules exhibit considerable therapeutic potential in the areas of cancertreatment, bone disorder (such as osteoporosis), hyperlipidemia and inflammation. Considerable activityhas been demonstrated in cell cultures and rodent models. Most of the agents tested for acute toxicityappear to be safe. Considering, however, the reproductive and endocrine toxicity of boric acid (and itsborate salts), it its important to determine whether boron analogs of biomolecules exhibit similar toxicity.The Phase I studies will focus on synthetic methods development (to produce large quantities ofmaterials for toxicity studies), development of bioassays for determining testicular and endocrine effects,and screening of compounds using the newly developed bioassays. In Phase II studies, compounds willbe tested for endocrine lesions using the rapid endocrine bioassay and to determine their relativeimportance for drug development. This toxicity information, combined with the pharmacological activityalready observed, will then enable us to continue the development of pharmacologically active boroncompounds.