AZD6918

AZD6918 is an orally available small molecule that acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family of tyrosine kinases, particularly targeting TrkA and TrkB receptors. It was developed by AstraZeneca for its potential antineoplastic activity in solid tumors. Mechanistically, AZD6918 blocks neurotrophic signaling mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through TrkB, thereby attenuating cell survival pathways and increasing tumor cell sensitivity to cytotoxic agents such as etoposide. Preclinical studies demonstrated that while AZD6918 alone induced cell death in neuroblastoma models *in vitro*, its combination with etoposide produced a stronger anti-tumor effect *in vivo*. Clinical development for solid tumors was discontinued after phase 1 trials[1][2][4][7].