acetyltanshinone IIA

Acetyltanshinone IIA is a **synthetic derivative** of tanshinone IIA, a major bioactive compound originally isolated from the dried roots of *Salvia miltiorrhiza* Bunge, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. ATA was developed via chemical modification of the parent molecule to improve bioactivity, water solubility, and anticancer properties. In multiple preclinical studies, acetyltanshinone IIA has shown **potent anti-cancer effects**, particularly against HER2-positive and estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, as well as drug-resistant lung cancer. Mechanistically, it induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by inhibiting receptor tyrosine kinases (notably EGFR and HER2), suppressing downstream survival pathways (including p70S6K, mTOR/PI3K/Akt axis), and inducing oxidative and ER stress. It also activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), inhibiting lipid and protein biosynthesis involved in cancer cell survival and proliferation. In vivo, ATA has demonstrated efficacy in reducing tumor xenograft growth in animal models without notable toxicity. Liposomal and PEG-modified formulations of ATA significantly increase its bioavailability and therapeutic window. Acetyltanshinone IIA is not approved for clinical use and remains under preclinical and investigational development primarily as an **experimental antineoplastic agent**[4][5][7][10][1][8].

Other names

ATAacetyl tanshinone IIA