DZ-191

DZ-191 is a novel synthetic statin derivative designed to target tumor cells while bypassing the liver. Unlike traditional statins, DZ-191 accumulates in the mitochondria and lysosomes of cancer cells, leading to the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the inhibition of autophagy and lysosomal protein degradation. Specifically, it induces cell death in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by reducing the removal of damaged mitochondria through the inhibition of mitophagy. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that DZ-191 can inhibit tumor growth and resensitize cisplatin- and gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells to treatment. The compound was developed through research involving Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Sichuan Lung Cancer Institute.