Amonafide

Amonafide

Amonafide

Amonafide, bearing the original designation AS1413, is an investigational drug undergoing study for its potential use in oncology. Recognized by trade names such as Quinamed and Xanafide, Amonafide emerges from the novel category of chemotherapy agents referred to as Naphthalimides. These agents function by inhibiting the topoisomerase enzyme and also intercalating DNA, leading to disruption in the replication processes of cancer cells.

Contents

• 1 Chemical Classification
• 2 Mechanism of Action
• 3 Development and Clinical Trials
• 4 FDA Fast Track Status
• 5 Potential Therapeutic Uses
• 6 See Also
• 7 References

Chemical Classification

Amonafide is a representative member of the Naphthalimides family of chemotherapeutic agents.

Mechanism of Action

At its core, Amonafide functions as a:

• Topoisomerase inhibitor: By inhibiting the action of topoisomerase, Amonafide stalls the DNA replication process, halting the rapid division of cancer cells.
• DNA intercalator: The drug wedges itself between the base pairs in the DNA structure, further hampering the DNA replication and transcription processes.

Development and Clinical Trials

Antisoma, a renowned pharmaceutical company, is at the helm of developing Amonafide as a potential anti-cancer therapy. Key milestones in its clinical development include:

• 2008: The drug reached Phase III of clinical trials.
• March 2010: Initiation of Phase III trial targeting secondary Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).
• June 2010: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conferred a Fast Track Status on Amonafide for the treatment of Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).

FDA Fast Track Status

In June 2010, the FDA accorded Amonafide with a Fast Track Status. This designation is reserved for medications with the potential to address unmet medical needs, facilitating a more streamlined review process for the drug.

Potential Therapeutic Uses

While the primary focus is on harnessing Amonafide's properties to combat secondary AML, ongoing research is expected to uncover its efficacy in treating other cancer forms as well.

See Also

• Chemotherapy
• Naphthalimides
• Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
• Alrestatin

External links

• Amonafide entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
• Clinical trials of amonafide at ClinicalTrials.gov

 This article incorporates public domain material from the U.S. National Cancer Institute document "Dictionary of Cancer Terms".