Doxy-Myr

Doxy-Myr is a **preclinical small-molecule anticancer candidate** being developed by Lunella Biotech for **prevention of cancer metastasis** through selective targeting of **cancer stem cells**. It is a **doxycycline-derived analogue** generated by covalently attaching a **myristic acid** moiety to the free amino group of **9-amino-doxycycline**, creating a lipophilic derivative designed to disrupt **mitochondrial metabolism/biogenesis in cancer stem cells**. In reported preclinical work, Doxy-Myr was described as more than five-fold more potent than doxycycline at inhibiting anchorage-independent growth of breast cancer stem cells, while showing relative selectivity versus normal fibroblasts and bulk tumor cells; in vivo, it inhibited metastatic spread in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer models with little apparent toxicity and minimal effect on primary tumor growth. Unlike doxycycline, it was also reported to lack meaningful antibiotic activity, supporting its intended use as an antimetastatic CSC-directed therapy.

Other names

myristoyl amide derivative of doxycyclinemyristoyl amide derivative of 9-amino-doxycycline