Apaziquone

Apaziquone

File:Apaziquone.svg
Systematic (IUPAC) name
(E)-5-(1-Azirinyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-2-(3-hydroxy-1-propenyl)-1-methyl-1H-indole-4,7-dione
Identifiers
CAS Number	114560-48-4
ATC code	none
PubChem	CID 5813717
Chemical data
Formula	C15H16N2O4
Molar mass	288[[]]

Apaziquone (EOquin) is an indolequinone that is a bioreductive prodrug and a chemical analog of the older chemotherapeutic agent mitomycin C. In hypoxic cells, such as those on the inner surface of the urinary bladder, apaziquone is converted to active metabolites by intracellular reductases. The active metabolites alkylate DNA and lead to apoptotic cell death. This activity is preferentially expressed in neoplastic cells.

After administration of apaziquone directly into the urinary bladder, the drug and its active metabolite were not detected in plasma, and there were no systemic side effects

Apaziquone has been applied in clinical studies sponsored by Spectrum Pharmaceuticals and Allergan, Inc. for the treatment of superficial (non-muscle invasive) bladder cancer. Approximately 70% of all newly diagnosed patients with bladder cancer have non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and over one million patients in the United States and Europe are affected by the disease. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track review status to apaziquone for this indication.

See also

• Spectrum Pharmaceuticals