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Folic Acid

FDA-approved product (injectable, injection), marketed as Folic Acid, Folicet, Folvite and 1 more.

Registered studies
50+
Lab records
3
Pathogens at ≥40%
4 of 4

Chemical structure

Chemical structure of Folic Acid
A drawing shows what the molecule is, not what it does.

Existing / approved use

Documented · FDA, WHO, ChEMBL

Approved for

  • Acne
  • Anemia
  • Anemia (phenotype)
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic renal failure syndrome
  • Depressive disorder
  • Folate deficiency
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Osteoporosis
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Indications ChEMBL records as approved, from FDA and DailyMed labels. Label ↗

WHO therapeutic group
Folic acid and derivatives; Other diagnostic agents
Anti-infective classification
Not classified as an anti-infective.

Repurposing investigation

This medicine is being investigated here for AI-predicted antimicrobial activity against MRSA, E. coli, K. pneumoniae and M. tuberculosis. It was surfaced computationally for further investigation; it is not an established treatment for these infections.

AI-predicted activity

AI prediction · nothing measured
  • MRSA43.5% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • E. coli87.0% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates. This medicine was in the model's training data, so this is recall, not a new prediction.
  • K. pneumoniae47.8% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • M. tuberculosis50.0% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.

A model’s estimate of laboratory activity against each pathogen species. It is not clinical effectiveness.

Evidence

Clinical and experimental

Documented evidence

Clinical

50+registered studies name this medicine, for any condition. The registry search keeps the first 50, so there may be more. See them below.

Experimental

  • E. coli: measured active in 3 of 3 lab records
Show the 3 laboratory records, with sources

Loading records…

“Active” means the measured value reached this project’s laboratory cutoff (10 µM or stronger). A laboratory result does not show an effect in patients.

Docking

Computational · nothing measured

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (E. coli)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

KPC-2 carbapenemase ↗ (K. pneumoniae)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

Enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) ↗ (M. tuberculosis)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (MRSA)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

AutoDock Vina, one experimentally solved protein per pathogen. This project’s screening target is -7.0 kcal/mol, its own mark rather than a universal cutoff. A docking score is a structural hypothesis, not proof of binding, and requires experimental validation.

Other medicines to investigate

AI prediction · nothing measured

Other repurposing candidates: approved medicines besides Folic Acid with AI-predicted activity ≥40% against the chosen pathogen, leaving out existing antimicrobials. They are computational candidates for further investigation, not alternatives and not recommendations.

Sorted by AI-predicted activity, high to low. The order is not a ranking of which medicine is better.

Registered studies

A registration describes a study; it does not establish a positive result.

  • Pharmacokinetics and Absolute Bioavailability of Fer-In-Sol and Triferic Administered Orally With Shohl's Solution in Healthy Volunteers

    NCT02767128 · start 2016-04

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02767128
    Conditions
    Iron-refractory, Iron-deficiency Anemia (IRIDA)
    Interventions
    Triferic; Fer-In-Sol; Shohl's solution
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2016-04
    Completion
    2016-04
    Enrolment
    14

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIron-refractory, Iron-deficiency Anemia (IRIDA)
    InterventionTriferic; Fer-In-Sol; Shohl's solution
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • The Effect on Vascular Reactivity Using the Erythropoeitin Alpha on Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

    NCT03286712 · start 2015-10

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03286712
    Conditions
    Chronic Kidney Disease; Anemia; Complication of Peritoneal Dialysis
    Interventions
    Renogen
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2015-10
    Completion
    2017-05
    Enrolment
    30

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionChronic Kidney Disease; Anemia; Complication of Peritoneal Dialysis
    InterventionRenogen
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Comparison of Two Nutrition Interventions in Young Children in El Salvador

    NCT02567981 · start 2015-09

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02567981
    Conditions
    Micronutrient Deficiency
    Interventions
    21 micronutrient-fortified supplement; Cereal Fortificado (Fortified Cereal); Ferrous sulphate; Vitamin A
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2015-09
    Completion
    2020-09
    Enrolment
    4,577

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionMicronutrient Deficiency
    Intervention21 micronutrient-fortified supplement; Cereal Fortificado (Fortified Cereal); Ferrous sulphate; Vitamin A
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusUnknown
  • The Effect of Zinc on Iron Bioavailability From Fortified Extruded Rice Fortified With Ferric Pyrophosphate

    NCT02255942 · start 2015-04

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02255942
    Conditions
    Iron Deficiency
    Interventions
    Ferric Pyrophosphate and Zinc Oxide; Ferrous sulfate; Ferric Pyrophosphate and Zinc Sulfate; Ferric Pyrophosphate
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2015-04
    Completion
    2015-07
    Enrolment
    20

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIron Deficiency
    InterventionFerric Pyrophosphate and Zinc Oxide; Ferrous sulfate; Ferric Pyrophosphate and Zinc Sulfate; Ferric Pyrophosphate
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Iron Supplement to Improve Iron Status Following Bariatric Surgery

    NCT02404012 · start 2014-11

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT02404012
    Conditions
    Anemia, Iron Deficiency
    Interventions
    Oral iron supplementation
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2014-11
    Completion
    2021-12-31
    Enrolment
    64

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAnemia, Iron Deficiency
    InterventionOral iron supplementation
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Iron Absorption From Iron-enriched Aspergillus Oryzae

    NCT03156712 · start 2013-05-29

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT03156712
    Conditions
    Iron-deficiency; Absorption; Iron; Anemia, Iron Deficiency; Bioavailability; Serum Iron
    Interventions
    Ferrous sulfate
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2013-05-29
    Completion
    2014-02-13
    Enrolment
    17

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIron-deficiency; Absorption; Iron; Anemia, Iron Deficiency +2 more
    InterventionFerrous sulfate
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Capsule Endoscopy Versus Conservative Therapy for Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding

    NCT01837030 · start 2013-03

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01837030
    Conditions
    Hemorrhage; Anemia
    Interventions
    Ferrous sulfate; Capsule Endoscopy
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Withdrawn
    Start
    2013-03
    Completion
    2013-03
    Enrolment
    0

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionHemorrhage; Anemia
    InterventionFerrous sulfate; Capsule Endoscopy
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusWithdrawn
  • The Efficacy and Safety of Iron Supplementation

    NCT01590134 · start 2012-03

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01590134
    Conditions
    Healthy
    Interventions
    Dietary supplement of iron; Ferrous sulphate
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2012-03
    Completion
    2015-12
    Enrolment
    18

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionHealthy
    InterventionDietary supplement of iron; Ferrous sulphate
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusUnknown
  • IV Iron Sucrose vs Oral FeSO4 in Treating IDA in Pediatric IBD

    NCT01438372 · start 2011-11

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01438372
    Conditions
    Iron Deficiency Anemia; Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    Interventions
    Intravenous iron sucrose; Oral ferrous sulfate
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Withdrawn
    Start
    2011-11
    Completion
    2012-03
    Enrolment
    0

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIron Deficiency Anemia; Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    InterventionIntravenous iron sucrose; Oral ferrous sulfate
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusWithdrawn
  • Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation on Iron Metabolic Homeostasis of Preschool Children in Sichuan,China

    NCT01355263 · start 2011-07

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01355263
    Conditions
    Iron Metabolic Homeostasis
    Interventions
    iron and vitamin a
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2011-07
    Completion
    2012-08
    Enrolment
    450

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIron Metabolic Homeostasis
    Interventioniron and vitamin a
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Enhancing Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia With an Antioxidant, Vitamin E

    NCT01700426 · start 2011-06

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01700426
    Conditions
    Iron Deficiency; Iron Deficiency Anemia
    Interventions
    Vitamin E; Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2011-06
    Completion
    2013-09
    Enrolment
    44

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIron Deficiency; Iron Deficiency Anemia
    InterventionVitamin E; Placebo
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Does a Daily Iron Tablet Improve Anemia in Cystic Fibrosis

    NCT01755455 · start 2011-06

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01755455
    Conditions
    Cystic Fibrosis; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
    Interventions
    Ferrous sulfate 325mg; Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2011-06
    Completion
    2012-11
    Enrolment
    22

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionCystic Fibrosis; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
    InterventionFerrous sulfate 325mg; Placebo
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Diet and Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia

    NCT01692015 · start 2011-04

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01692015
    Conditions
    Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)
    Interventions
    Questionnaire on dietary history; Questionnaire on nosebleed severity; One week food diary generated by weighing foods; Blood tests for full blood count, albumin, and indices of nutritional status
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2011-04
    Completion
    2016-09
    Enrolment
    50

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionHereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)
    InterventionQuestionnaire on dietary history; Questionnaire on nosebleed severity; One week food diary generated by weighing foods; Blood tests for full blood count, albumin, and indices of nutritional status
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Iron Supplementation During Pregnancy and Non-Transferrin-Bound Iron (NTBI)

    NCT01264042 · start 2011-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01264042
    Conditions
    Pregnancy
    Interventions
    Ferrous Sulfate
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2011-01
    Completion
    2013-09
    Enrolment
    30

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionPregnancy
    InterventionFerrous Sulfate
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Randomized Trial of Iron Supplementation to Prevent Anemia in Very-low-birth-weight Infants

    NCT01224236 · start 2010-07

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT01224236
    Conditions
    Anemia
    Interventions
    Iron Supplement; control
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2 / Phase 3
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2010-07
    Completion
    2012-02
    Enrolment
    150

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAnemia
    InterventionIron Supplement; control
    PhasePhase 2 / Phase 3
    Registry statusCompleted