VORELOXIN DNA-Intercalating Drug Topoisomerase II Inhibitor Oncolytic

Voreloxin (SNS-595) is being developed by Sunesis Pharmaceuticals under license from Dainippon Sumitomo Pharmo for the treatment of a variety of solid and hematological malignancies. Voreloxin is a naphthyridine derivative that acts partly by inhibition of topoisomerase II causing replication-dependent DNA damage in the S-phose of the cell cycle and leading to apoptosis via irreversible G2 arrest. The drug has activity as monotherapy in recurrent acute myelogenous leukemic (AML) and in platinum-refractory ovarian cancer. The predominant dose-limiting toxicity is neutropenia. Voreloxin is now being tested in combination with other cytotoxic agents in patients with AML.