Introduction of dapsone

Dapsone was first synthesized in 1908. At that time, dapsone was not envisioned as a therapeutic agent, but was the result of pure chemical science ambition. when two groups in England and France were the first to investigate dapsone as an antimicrobial agent in the framework of sulfonamide research. In this context, it is remarkable that certain congeners, but not the so-called parent sulfone dapsone, were the first sulfones used to treat gonorrhea. Later, introduction into the therapy of non-infectious diseases was not the result of systematic research, but virtually driven by fortune .
Concerning the mechanisms of action, dapsone is characterized by dual function. It combines both antimicrobial/antiprotozoal properties and anti-inflammatory effects resembling those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In past decades, especially the hematological adverse effects of dapsone have induced intense efforts to develop substituted sulfones with improved risk–benefit-ratio. A parallel goal of research was the synthesis of parenteral application modalities. Interestingly, however, still today the oral application of dapsone constitutes the only sulfone used in systemic therapy.