DaunoXome (NeXstar Pharmaceuticals)

DaunoXome is a liposomal formulation of the anthracycline chemotherapy agent daunorubicin citrate, specifically developed for the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Approved by the FDA in April 1996, it utilizes a liposomal delivery system consisting of small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) that facilitate selective uptake into tumor tissues with increased vascular permeability, such as Kaposi's sarcoma lesions. This targeting mechanism helps to achieve higher intratumoral drug concentrations while significantly reducing the cardiotoxicity typically associated with conventional anthracyclines. Its primary mechanism of action involves intercalating into DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II, thereby disrupting DNA replication and RNA synthesis and inducing apoptosis in rapidly dividing tumor cells.

Brand names

DaunoXome

Other names

liposomal daunorubicin citrateliposomal daunorubicindaunorubicin liposomal