EF31

EF31 is a **synthetic curcumin analog** developed as a small molecule inhibitor with anticancer activity. It directly inhibits IκB kinase β (IKKβ), which in turn leads to inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, a critical regulator of cancer cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. EF31 has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical studies, inhibiting tumor growth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and pancreatic cancer models by suppressing phosphorylation of IKKβ and the downstream NF-κB transcription factor (p65) and inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. It is structurally related to EF24, with improvements in potency and solubility. EF31 has not advanced to clinical development phases and remains a preclinical research compound targeting oncological diseases such as pancreatic and head and neck cancers[1][2][4][7].

Other names

3,5-bis(2-pyridinylmethylene)-4-piperidinonesynthetic curcumin analog EF31