Inhaled doxorubicin

Inhaled doxorubicin is an aerosolized formulation of the cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin hydrochloride, specifically developed by Zivena for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This formulation is designed for direct pulmonary delivery via a nebulizer to achieve high local drug concentrations within the lung parenchyma and regional lymph nodes while minimizing systemic exposure. The primary goal of this route of administration is to enhance therapeutic efficacy at the tumor site while reducing the risk of systemic toxicities, most notably cardiotoxicity and myelosuppression, which are dose-limiting factors for intravenous doxorubicin. Mechanistically, doxorubicin acts by intercalating into DNA and inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase II, which leads to the stabilization of cleavable complexes, induction of DNA strand breaks, and subsequent apoptosis. Clinical development reached Phase I/II trials where it was evaluated as an adjunct to standard intravenous chemotherapy regimens including docetaxel and cisplatin.

Other names

Doxorubicin HCl Inhalation SolutionAerosolized doxorubicin