idarubicin

Idarubicin is an anthracycline antineoplastic agent primarily used in combination chemotherapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults. It works by intercalating into DNA and inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase II, which leads to DNA strand breaks and inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis, ultimately resulting in cell death. The absence of a methoxy group at position 4 increases its lipophilicity compared to other anthracyclines, enhancing cellular uptake and potency. Idarubicin is considered more potent than daunorubicin and may have reduced cardiac toxicity relative to other drugs in its class.

Brand names

IdamycinIdamycin PFS

Other names

4-demethoxydaunorubicin