Camptothecin derivatives of camptothecin of formula (I)
1
wherein the groups R
1
, R
2
and R
3
are as defined in the description are disclosed.
The compounds of formula (I) are endowed with antitumor activity and show a good therapeutic index.
Processes for the preparation of the compounds of formula (I) and their use in the preparation of medicaments useful in the treatment of tumors, viral infections and antiplasmodium falciparum are also disclosed.
derivatives of camptothecin were obtained from camptothecin-7-aldehyde and aromatic, alicyclic and aliphaticamines. Their hydrogenation led to the corresponding amines. All the imines and the less polaramines showed a marked increase of the cytotoxic activity against H460 non-small lung carcinoma cell line, with respect to topotecan. The lipophilicity of the substituent in position 7 of camptothecin seems