Distribution of gold in blood following administration of auranofin (SK&F D-39162).

After oral administration of auranofin (SK&F D-39162), a new antiarthritic gold compound, to rats, dogs and humans, a major portion (approximately 50%) of the blood gold content was found to be associated with cellular components. This property is in marked contrast to that reported for gold sodium thiomalate and represents another of the many physical, chemical and pharmacological differences between these therapeutic gold compounds. Although the clinical significance of this property is not presently known, it is recommended that pharmacokinetic studies involving auranofin include the assessment of both blood and serum gold levels.