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Docetaxel (Taxane)

Eli Lilly and Company · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Docetaxel (Taxane) is a Taxane (microtubule stabilizer) Small molecule drug developed by Eli Lilly and Company. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Metastatic breast cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer, Prostate cancer.

Docetaxel stabilizes microtubules by binding to β-tubulin, preventing their depolymerization and causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells.

Docetaxel stabilizes microtubules by binding to β-tubulin, preventing their depolymerization and causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. Used for Metastatic breast cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer, Prostate cancer.

At a glance

Generic nameDocetaxel (Taxane)
SponsorEli Lilly and Company
Drug classTaxane (microtubule stabilizer)
Targetβ-tubulin
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Docetaxel is a semi-synthetic taxane that binds to the β-subunit of tubulin dimers and promotes microtubule assembly while inhibiting disassembly. This leads to accumulation of stable microtubules and disruption of the dynamic microtubule network required for cell division, ultimately triggering apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

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

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Docetaxel (Taxane)

What is Docetaxel (Taxane)?

Docetaxel (Taxane) is a Taxane (microtubule stabilizer) drug developed by Eli Lilly and Company, indicated for Metastatic breast cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer, Prostate cancer.

How does Docetaxel (Taxane) work?

Docetaxel stabilizes microtubules by binding to β-tubulin, preventing their depolymerization and causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells.

What is Docetaxel (Taxane) used for?

Docetaxel (Taxane) is indicated for Metastatic breast cancer, Non-small cell lung cancer, Prostate cancer, Gastric cancer, Head and neck cancer.

Who makes Docetaxel (Taxane)?

Docetaxel (Taxane) is developed by Eli Lilly and Company (see full Eli Lilly and Company pipeline at /company/eli-lilly).

What drug class is Docetaxel (Taxane) in?

Docetaxel (Taxane) belongs to the Taxane (microtubule stabilizer) class. See all Taxane (microtubule stabilizer) drugs at /class/taxane-microtubule-stabilizer.

What development phase is Docetaxel (Taxane) in?

Docetaxel (Taxane) is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Docetaxel (Taxane)?

Common side effects of Docetaxel (Taxane) include Neutropenia, Anemia, Thrombocytopenia, Peripheral neuropathy, Alopecia, Nausea/vomiting.

What does Docetaxel (Taxane) target?

Docetaxel (Taxane) targets β-tubulin and is a Taxane (microtubule stabilizer).

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