Camostat is a benzoate ester formed by the condensation of the carboxy group of 4-guanidinobenzoic acid with the hydroxy group of 2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl (4-hydroxyphenyl)acetate. It is a potent inhibitor of human transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), with its mesylate salt being investigated for use in COVID-19 treatment. Camostat functions as an anticoronaviral, serine protease inhibitor, antifibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antihypertensive, and antineoplastic agent. It is a tertiary carboxamide, carboxylic ester, diester, guanidine, and benzoate ester, and is functionally related to 4-guanidinobenzoic acid. It is the conjugate base of camostat(1+).
