The Long Story of Ebselen: From about One Century of its Synthesis to Clinical Trials

The first synthesis of Ebselen was nearly a full century ago, but despite several clinical trials with Ebselen, the therapeutic application of Ebselen is still uncertain. Nevertheless, it has very low toxicity and its broad activity in the modulation of the redox equilibrium indicates that Ebselen can be a multitarget therapeutic agent against human diseases. Here we will review nearly a dozen clinical trials with Ebselen to treat brain ischemia, cardiovascular problems associated with diabetes mellitus, noise-induced hearing loss, and bipolar disorder. The molecular events potentially mediating the effects of Ebselen will be discussed. The approved but still not initiated clinical trials (the studies are in the recruiting phase) to treat moderate and severe COVID-19 are highlighted.