FLC-436

FLC-436 is a novel, orally active, semisynthetic small-molecule derivative of the natural polyether ionophore salinomycin. Developed by Fileclo in collaboration with Adam Mickiewicz University, FLC-436 is designed to selectively target cancer cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs) while minimizing the systemic toxicities associated with unmodified salinomycin. As an ionophore, its primary mechanism of action involves facilitating the transport of monovalent cations (such as sodium and potassium) across biological membranes, disrupting intracellular ion homeostasis, altering pH, and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and lysosomal iron sequestration, which ultimately leads to cell death via apoptosis or ferroptosis. FLC-436 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial in Poland for the treatment of patients with refractory or relapsed solid malignancies.