3β-azido-3-deoxydigitoxigenin

3β-azido-3-deoxydigitoxigenin is a semi-synthetic cardenolide derivative and a structural analog of digitoxigenin, modified with an azide group at the 3β position. This modification allows for site-specific conjugation to other molecules or nanocarriers via click chemistry, specifically azide-alkyne cycloaddition. The drug acts as a potent inhibitor of the **sodium-potassium ATPase (Na+/K+-ATPase)**, particularly targeting the catalytic α-subunit which is frequently overexpressed in certain malignancies such as A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In research contexts, it has been utilized as a targeting ligand conjugated to the surface of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These CA-modified EVs leverage the high affinity of cardenolides for the Na+/K+-ATPase to facilitate targeted drug delivery, enhancing the selective uptake and cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic payloads like doxorubicin in tumor cells while potentially minimizing off-target effects on healthy tissues.

Other names

3-azido-3-deoxydigitoxigenincardenolide derivative 3β-azido-3-deoxydigitoxigenin