demethylcantharidin

Demethylcantharidin, also referred to as DMC, is a synthetic analog of cantharidin, generated by removing a methyl group from the cantharidin molecule. Cantharidin itself is a terpenoid-derived vesicant known primarily for topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum and warts, and functions both as a blistering agent and as a selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A. Demethylcantharidin shares structural similarity with cantharidin, and experimental studies suggest that DMC acts as a protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor, like its parent compound. One research report shows DMC causes additional DNA damage when integrated into complexes, hinting at potential applications in anticancer therapies via cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis mechanisms[6]. Its clinical applications remain investigational, with no current FDA approval or established therapeutic indications.

Other names

DMC