Accutane, or isotretinoin, is a synthetic retinoid derived directly from 13-cis-retinoic acid. This means chemists created Accutane by chemically modifying 13-cis-retinoic acid, a naturally occurring isomer of retinoic acid. The key structural difference lies in the position of a specific double bond within the molecule.
Understanding the Chemical Modification
The precise chemical processes involved in synthesizing isotretinoin from 13-cis-retinoic acid are complex and proprietary to pharmaceutical manufacturers. However, the core concept involves manipulating the molecule’s structure to enhance its properties for treating acne. This modification improves its ability to bind to specific receptors within skin cells, leading to a stronger therapeutic effect.
Impact of the Chemical Change
This seemingly small change in the molecular structure significantly impacts the drug’s potency and side effect profile compared to other retinoids. Isotretinoin demonstrates superior efficacy against severe acne due to its potent effect on sebum production and inflammation. However, this increased potency also contributes to its well-known potential side effects.
