Sugammadex is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin molecule, which is in essence a ring of sugar molecules that form a doughnut shape with a hole in the middle.
Its ability to reverse the effects of NMBAs was discovered during a 'eureka' moment when a team of Scottish-based Schering-Plough researchers were investigating how to dissolve rocuronium in the laboratory. It was discovered that gamma-cyclodextrin has a structure that allows it to encapsulate rocuronium and vecuronium by trapping these NMBA molecules in the hole at the centre of the molecule, forming a new, inactive complex which can then be excreted from the body.
Following the discovery, the Schering-Plough team refined the cyclodextrin structure to make it as effective as possible and created the sugammadex molecule. The research was awarded the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry's Malcolm Campbell Memorial prize in June 2007.
