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Amrubicin hydrocloride

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Amrubicin is a topoisomerase II inhibitor that intercalates into DNA and prevents the religation of DNA strands, leading to cell death.

Amrubicin is a topoisomerase II inhibitor that intercalates into DNA and prevents the religation of DNA strands, leading to cell death. Used for Small cell lung cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer.

At a glance

Generic nameAmrubicin hydrocloride
SponsorSumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd.
Drug classTopoisomerase II inhibitor; anthracycline
TargetTopoisomerase II
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Amrubicin is a semi-synthetic anthracycline derivative that binds to DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, an enzyme essential for DNA replication and transcription. By preventing the re-ligation of DNA breaks, it causes accumulation of DNA damage and triggers apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. It is structurally related to doxorubicin but has enhanced activity against certain tumor types.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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