Those looking for resveratrol should scratch GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) clinical trials off their list of sources for the chemical, which has been touted as an anti-ageing treatment. The London-based drug giant and its Cambridge, Massachusetts subsidiary Sirtris have halted development of their formulation of resveratrol, according to a patient website called Myeloma Beacon.

The compound, dubbed SRT501, was being tested against several conditions, including multiple myeloma. However, GSK halted the multiple myeloma trial earlier this year, after some patients developed kidney failure.

A GSK representative told Myeloma Beacon that underlying patient health problems probably caused the kidney disease but added that SRT501 wasn’t effective against multiple myeloma and the compound caused nausea, vomiting and other side effects. The bottom line is that GSK is scuttling development of resveratrol to focus on other chemicals that are thought to activate the same molecular pathway.

Whether some of these resveratrol mimics work as GSK claims, has been the topic of hot debate. Some scientists contend that these compounds do not directly activate a protein involved in ageing called SIRT. GSK and Sirtris defend the mode of action of their drugs, one of which treats mice and rats with diabetes-like symptoms.

But, as the In the Pipeline blog notes, GSK is focusing its efforts on two resveratrol-like compounds, SRT2104 and SRT2379, that haven’t been questioned – nor specifically defended by GSK. According to the US government’s clinical trials registry, the company is testing or looking to test those drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes, psoriasis and other conditions.

But if you’re looking for the real stuff, resveratrol can still be obtained by from red wine and any number of sources on the internet. Until recently, one of those was a non-profit with ties to two GSK execs.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons