Clearazide

Clearazide is a proprietary, topical gel formulation of mechlorethamine (nitrogen mustard) developed by Yaupon Therapeutics for the treatment of early-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). As a bifunctional alkylating agent, mechlorethamine inhibits DNA replication by forming covalent cross-links between DNA strands, primarily at the N7 position of guanine. This action disrupts the template function of DNA in malignant T-lymphocytes, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The formulation was designed to be a stable, "cosmetically elegant" alternative to traditional compounded nitrogen mustard preparations. Following a pivotal clinical program conducted under an FDA Special Protocol Assessment (SPA), the drug was eventually approved by the FDA in 2013 under the brand name Valchlor.

Brand names

ClearazideValchlor

Other names

mechlorethaminenitrogen mustardchlormethine