Compounds of the general formula (I) or (IA) in which X is H, Y is a leaving group, R1 and optionally also R3 preferably being an aromatic DNA binding subunit are prodrug analogues of duocarmycin. The compounds are expected to be hydroxylated at the carbon atom to which X is joined, by cytochrome P450, in particular by CYP1B1, expressed at high levels in tumours. The prodrug is expected to be activated preferentially in tumour cells, where it will act as a DNA alkylating agent preventing cell division.
通式(I)或(IA)的化合物中,X为H,Y为离去基团,R1和可选的R3最好是芳香族DNA结合亚基的前药类似物,是杜卡霉素的类似物。这些化合物预计会被细胞色素P450,尤其是在肿瘤中高表达的CYP1B1,在X连接的碳原子上
水解。预计前药将在肿瘤细胞中优先激活,作为DNA烷基化剂防止细胞分裂。