According to the National Cancer Institute there are no active clinical trials.[9]
Suramin is also used in research as a broad-spectrum antagonist of P2 receptors[10][11] and agonist of Ryanodine receptors.[12]
Its effect on telomerase has been investigated.[13]
It may have some activity against RNA viruses.[14]
In addition to antagonism of P2 receptors, Suramin inhibits the activation of heterotrimeric G proteins in a variety of other GPCRs with varying potency. It prevents the association of heteromeric G proteins and therefore the receptors guanine exchange functionality (GEF). With this blockade the GDP will not release from the Gα subunit so it can not be replaced by a GTP and become activated. This has the effect of blocking downstream G protein mediated signaling of various GPCR proteins including rhodopsin, the A1 adenosine receptor, and the D2 dopamine receptor.[15]