CTI-01 (ethyl pyruvate) is an investigational anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of critical inflammatory conditions. CTI-01 was developed by Critical Therapeutics as a stable prodrug of pyruvate, a potent antioxidant, and a free radical scavenger. The drug showed an anti-inflammatory and tissue protection activity in animal models of pancreatitis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, sepsis, renal injury, and endotoxemia. CTI-01 was investigated in phase 2 clinical trials on patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, but despite positive results in animal models, administration of EP does not appear to confer any benefit to cardiac surgical patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Besides clinical applications, ethyl pyruvate is long used as an additive to pharmaceutical preparations and foods, including candy, beverages, and baked goods. It is generally recognized as safe by the FDA.