CBZ-AAN-DOX

CBZ-AAN-DOX is a **prodrug form of doxorubicin** that is chemically modified with the tripeptide N-benzyloxycarbonyl-alanine-asparagine (CBZ-AAN). This modification targets the enzyme **Legumain (asparaginyl endopeptidase)**, which is highly expressed in cancer cells and is implicated in tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. The design increases the selectivity of doxorubicin for Legumain-expressing tumor microenvironments, aiming to improve anti-cancer efficacy and reduce toxicity associated with conventional doxorubicin. Preclinical studies in hypoxic cell cultures and tumor-bearing zebrafish models demonstrate **inhibition of cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and reduced systemic toxicity** compared to standard doxorubicin[1].

Other names

N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Ala-Asn-Doxorubicin