From Valsartan to Ranitidine: The Story of Nitrosamines So Far

In 1956, Magee and Barnes showed t h e c a r c i n o g e n i c p o t e n t i a l o f Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in rats. Since then, about 90% of the 300 tested nitrosamines have shown potent carcinogenic effects in experimental studies in at least 39 different species and many different organs. Predominant sites of tumour induction in animals include oral cavity, oesophagus, stomach, urinary bladder and brain. This landmark discovery caused scientists around the world to investigate the carcinogenic properties of other nitrosamines and N-nitroso compounds.