DaunoXome (NeXstar Pharmaceuticals, b3db10)

DaunoXome is a liposomal formulation of the anthracycline chemotherapy drug daunorubicin, specifically developed for the treatment of advanced HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma. By encapsulating daunorubicin citrate within small unilamellar liposomes composed of distearoylphosphatidylcholine and cholesterol, the formulation achieves targeted delivery to tumor tissues with increased vascular permeability, such as Kaposi's sarcoma lesions. This delivery mechanism significantly reduces the systemic distribution to healthy tissues, thereby minimizing the cardiotoxicity typically associated with conventional anthracyclines. Once localized in the tumor, the drug is released over a prolonged period, where it exerts its cytotoxic effect by intercalating into DNA and inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase II, effectively halting DNA and RNA synthesis and inducing apoptosis in malignant cells. It was originally developed by NeXstar Pharmaceuticals and received FDA approval as a first-line therapy for its primary indication.

Brand names

DaunoXome

Other names

liposomal daunorubicinliposomal daunorubicin citratedaunorubicin citrate liposome injection