DaunoXome

DaunoXome is a liposomal formulation of the anthracycline chemotherapy agent daunorubicin, specifically designed to improve the therapeutic index in the treatment of solid tumors. Developed by NeXstar Pharmaceuticals, the drug consists of daunorubicin citrate encapsulated within lipid vesicles (liposomes) composed of distearoylphosphatidylcholine and cholesterol. This delivery system exploits the increased permeability of tumor vasculature (enhanced permeability and retention effect), allowing for greater accumulation of the drug in tumor tissues, such as those found in Kaposi's sarcoma, while reducing systemic toxicity like alopecia and neuropathy compared to conventional chemotherapy. Once at the tumor site, the liposomes release daunorubicin, which then intercalates into DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, leading to DNA strand breaks and apoptosis. It was approved by the FDA in 1996 as a first-line therapy for advanced HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma.

Brand names

DaunoXome

Other names

daunorubicin citrate liposome injectionliposomal daunorubicindaunorubicin liposomaldaunorubicin citrate liposomal