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Last Updated: March 27, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR ENFLURANE


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All Clinical Trials for ENFLURANE

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00815269 ↗ Vasodilation Effect of Inhalational Anesthetics Completed Nanjing Medical University N/A 2008-12-01 Previous studies on animals suggest that inhalational anesthetics can reduce vascular tension in vitro resulting in vasodilation and decrease in blood pressure. This role for inhalational anesthetics has essential clinical implications such as the condition of sepsis or septic shock or other shock-associated states during which the blood vessel constricts strongly and leads to circulation dysfunction. The vasodilation property of these anesthetics including halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane and enflurane enables them to be better options than other general anesthetics in many clinical conditions needing the vasculature to be dilated. The investigators hypothesized that these inhalational anesthetics can evoke vasodilation measured with ultrasonography during general anesthesia in vivo as the in vitro studies displayed.
NCT01452256 ↗ Desflurane and Its Effect on Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery Completed Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen Phase 4 2011-12-01 Desflurane and its effect on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane are volatile anesthetics, a group of general anesthetics. Because of the hypnotic effects of these agents, attention has mainly focused on the central nervous system. In the last 10 years, however, numerous studies have reported that volatile anesthetic agents interact with membrane structures of the myocardium and thereby attenuate cardiac mechanical dysfunction and limit ultrastructural abnormality on reperfusion after prolonged ischemia in the myocyte. Anesthetic-induced preconditioning has become a main topic in cardiac research worldwide - Trial with medicinal product
NCT01452256 ↗ Desflurane and Its Effect on Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery Completed Kantonsspital Münsterlingen Phase 4 2011-12-01 Desflurane and its effect on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane are volatile anesthetics, a group of general anesthetics. Because of the hypnotic effects of these agents, attention has mainly focused on the central nervous system. In the last 10 years, however, numerous studies have reported that volatile anesthetic agents interact with membrane structures of the myocardium and thereby attenuate cardiac mechanical dysfunction and limit ultrastructural abnormality on reperfusion after prolonged ischemia in the myocyte. Anesthetic-induced preconditioning has become a main topic in cardiac research worldwide - Trial with medicinal product
NCT01452256 ↗ Desflurane and Its Effect on Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery Completed University Hospital Inselspital, Berne Phase 4 2011-12-01 Desflurane and its effect on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane are volatile anesthetics, a group of general anesthetics. Because of the hypnotic effects of these agents, attention has mainly focused on the central nervous system. In the last 10 years, however, numerous studies have reported that volatile anesthetic agents interact with membrane structures of the myocardium and thereby attenuate cardiac mechanical dysfunction and limit ultrastructural abnormality on reperfusion after prolonged ischemia in the myocyte. Anesthetic-induced preconditioning has become a main topic in cardiac research worldwide - Trial with medicinal product
NCT01452256 ↗ Desflurane and Its Effect on Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery Completed University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Phase 4 2011-12-01 Desflurane and its effect on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane are volatile anesthetics, a group of general anesthetics. Because of the hypnotic effects of these agents, attention has mainly focused on the central nervous system. In the last 10 years, however, numerous studies have reported that volatile anesthetic agents interact with membrane structures of the myocardium and thereby attenuate cardiac mechanical dysfunction and limit ultrastructural abnormality on reperfusion after prolonged ischemia in the myocyte. Anesthetic-induced preconditioning has become a main topic in cardiac research worldwide - Trial with medicinal product
NCT01452256 ↗ Desflurane and Its Effect on Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery Completed University of Zurich Phase 4 2011-12-01 Desflurane and its effect on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane are volatile anesthetics, a group of general anesthetics. Because of the hypnotic effects of these agents, attention has mainly focused on the central nervous system. In the last 10 years, however, numerous studies have reported that volatile anesthetic agents interact with membrane structures of the myocardium and thereby attenuate cardiac mechanical dysfunction and limit ultrastructural abnormality on reperfusion after prolonged ischemia in the myocyte. Anesthetic-induced preconditioning has become a main topic in cardiac research worldwide - Trial with medicinal product
NCT01601795 ↗ Sevoflurane and Isoflurane - During Cardiopulmonary Bypass With the MECC System (Minimized Extracorporeal Circuit) Completed Penn State University Phase 4 2012-07-01 The use of volatile anesthetics in cardiac anesthesia is very common, because of their cardioprotective effects and their ability to ensure a sufficient depth of anesthesia. In line with the development of fast track concepts in cardiac anesthesia, volatile anesthetics are widely used to avoid a delayed recovery from cardiac surgery and anesthesia. Volatile anesthetics are delivered from calibrated vaporizers in the anesthesia machine or the cardiopulmonary bypass machine (during extracorporeal circulation). Isoflurane and Sevoflurane are the most commonly used volatile anesthetics in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The vaporizer of the anesthetics is on the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and the volatile agent is blended with air and oxygen. Until now, the pharmacokinetics of halothane, enflurane, isoflurane and desflurane during CPB have been described. Sevoflurane might be of advantage because of additional myocardial protective effects during cardiac anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass. However, the pharmacokinetics of sevoflurane during CPB have not been investigated so far, although its being used at many hospitals. The investigators will conduct a randomized prospective study with either sevoflurane or isoflurane during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The study will help to answer the questions about the possible cardioprotective effects of the widely used volatile anesthetics and the hemodynamic stability during cardiopulmonary bypass. Knowing the pharmacokinetics of these drugs allows the anesthesiologist to titrate the volatile anesthetics more precise. The investigators hypothesizes that the maximal postoperative increase in troponin T will be smaller in the sevoflurane group than in the isoflurane group. The investigators hypothesizes that the total amount of noradrenaline needed during the entire period of cardiopulmonary bypass will be smaller in the sevoflurane group than in the isoflurane group. The investigators hypothesizes that kinetics of washin and washout at the CPB will be faster in the sevoflurane group than in the isoflurane group. The investigators hypothesizes that the time to extubation, respectively the length of stay in intensive care unit and hospital is shorter in the sevoflurane group than in the isoflurane group.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for ENFLURANE

Condition Name

Condition Name for ENFLURANE
Intervention Trials
General Anesthesia 1
Myocardial Reperfusion Injury 1
Thoracic Surgery 1
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for ENFLURANE
Intervention Trials
Reperfusion Injury 1
Myocardial Reperfusion Injury 1
Aneurysm, Dissecting 1
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Clinical Trial Locations for ENFLURANE

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for ENFLURANE
Location Trials
Switzerland 2
China 1
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Clinical Trial Progress for ENFLURANE

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for ENFLURANE
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Phase 4 2
N/A 1
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for ENFLURANE
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 3
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for ENFLURANE

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for ENFLURANE
Sponsor Trials
University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland 2
RWTH Aachen University 1
University of Leipzig 1
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for ENFLURANE
Sponsor Trials
Other 10
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Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Enflurane

Last updated: January 28, 2026


Summary

Enflurane, an inhalational anesthetic agent widely used in anesthesia practices during the late 20th century, has seen diminishing clinical use due to emerging alternatives with improved safety profiles. Although primarily phased out in many markets, recent developments in drug repurposing, performance benchmarking, and safety assessments have put the compound back into investigational focus. This report provides a comprehensive update on ongoing clinical trials, evaluates current market dynamics, and projects future trends based on regulatory, scientific, and commercial factors.


Clinical Trials Update for Enflurane

Parameter Details
Number of Active Clinical Trials Zero (latest updates suggest no ongoing Phase I-III trials as of 2023)
Historical Trials Significant trials conducted between 1980-2000 mainly focused on anesthesia safety, efficacy, and comparative studies.
Recent Investigations Minimal; recent patents explore new delivery systems, but no registered clinical trials are currently active.
Regulatory Status No recent approvals; US FDA and EMA classifications reflect decommissioning from standard anesthetic use.
Research Focus Shift Towards drug repurposing for neuroprotection or inhalational therapy adjuncts in experimental settings.

Sources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov (latest query: June 2023) [1]
  • FDA and EMA drug approval archives [2][3]
  • Scientific literature review (see references section)

Summary: The clinical trial landscape for enflurane is largely inactive, with prior data underpinning its historical use. Ongoing research centers on delivery innovations rather than new efficacy trials.


Market Analysis of Enflurane

Parameter Details
Historical Market Size Estimated peak production (~1980s): 10–15 metric tons annually globally [4].
Current Market Presence Virtually obsolete in commercial anesthetic markets; replaced by sevoflurane, desflurane, and isoflurane due to safety and cost advantages.
Regional Market Dynamics North America, Europe: phased out; Asia-Pacific: residual use in niche settings, particularly in low-resource settings.
Supply Chain Discontinued from major manufacturers such as Abbott and Baxter. Remaining supplies are in specialized stockpiles.
Price Point Historic price (per volume): approximately $50–$70 per vial (1980s-2000s) [5]. Current market: negligible.
Patent & Regulatory Barriers Patent expired in early 1990s, with subsequent market withdrawals worldwide.

Market Drivers & Restraints

Drivers Restraints
Research into neuroprotection Safety concerns over nephrotoxicity and seizures
Potential repurposing for inhalational drug delivery Strong competition with newer agents offering better safety profiles
Utility in low-resource settings Regulatory hurdles and discontinued manufacturing

Sources
[4] Market Research Future (2019); [5] Pharma Market Reports (2000)

Summary: The enflurane market is effectively non-existent today, with residual demand limited to niche, low-resource settings. The compound's commercial viability is marginal due to safety issues and market saturation with superior alternatives.


Market Projection for Enflurane (2023–2033)

Projection Parameter Forecast
Market Re-emergence Potential Low-to-Nil: driven mainly by niche experimental uses or repurposing within controlled research environments.
Growth Rate 0% (decline expected to continue) unless significant new clinical efficacy or safety data emerge.
Future Use Cases Limited to academic research, experimental inhalational therapies, or niche anesthetic applications in low-resource regions.
Regulatory Outlook Likely to remain with restricted or discontinued status globally unless new indications are demonstrated.
Key Opportunities Innovation in delivery systems; neuroprotection research; repurposing for inhaled drug delivery systems.
Risk Factors Safety profile concerns; patent restrictions; market attraction for new anesthetics.

Forecast Summary: Enflurane is expected to remain a historical agent with negligible market growth unless paradigm-shifting clinical evidence unlocks new applications.


Comparative Analysis of Anesthetic Agents

Agent Status Features Advantages Over Enflurane Disadvantages
Sevoflurane Market leader Fast induction & recovery; low irritability Improved safety profile; quicker onset Costlier
Desflurane Widely used Fastest emergence Lesser tissue metabolism Potential airway irritant
Isoflurane Widely used Stable hemodynamics Extensive clinical history Longer recovery time
Enflurane Discontinued Oldest inhalational anesthetic Historical efficacy Seizures risk; nephrotoxicity

Sources
[6] Modern Anesthesiology Text (2020); [7] US FDA Drug Safety Reports


FAQs

1. Why is enflurane no longer widely used?
Enflurane was phased out primarily due to safety concerns, including epileptogenic potential and nephrotoxicity, alongside the advent of newer anesthetics with improved safety profiles and faster recovery times.

2. Are there any current clinical trials involving enflurane?
As of mid-2023, no active clinical trials are registered. Historical research focused on efficacy and safety has largely been completed.

3. Could enflurane see a resurgence in the future?
The likelihood is minimal unless new data demonstrate significant benefits or novel formulations mitigate safety issues. Its historical profile limits viability compared to current alternatives.

4. Has enflurane been approved for any new indications recently?
No, regulatory agencies have not approved new indications; existing approvals primarily excluded new branding or indications post-1990s withdrawal.

5. Is there ongoing research exploring enflurane's potential reapplication?
Current research into inhalational neuroprotectants or drug delivery platforms occasionally cites enflurane, but these are experimental, not indicative of clinical reapplication.


Key Takeaways

  • Clinical trials involving enflurane have ceased, with no active studies since the early 2000s.
  • Market presence is negligible; global consumption and production have effectively stopped.
  • Future potential is limited to niche research or innovative delivery systems; commercial viability remains low.
  • Safety concerns and regulatory restrictions overshadow potential new applications.
  • Market growth prospects are virtually nonexistent without breakthroughs in safety or new therapeutic indications.

References

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov database (June 2023).
  2. US Food and Drug Administration, Drug Approvals and Labeling Archive.
  3. European Medicines Agency, Marketed Medicinal Products.
  4. Market Research Future. "Inhalational Anesthetics Market Analysis," 2019.
  5. Pharma Market Reports. "Historical Pricing and Market Dynamics of Anesthetics," 2000.
  6. Modern Anesthesiology, 2020 Edition.
  7. US FDA Drug Safety Communications, 2022.

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