ixabepilone

Ixabepilone is a semisynthetic analog of epothilone B and functions as an antimicrotubule agent used in cancer chemotherapy. It binds directly to β-tubulin subunits on microtubules, stabilizing them and suppressing their dynamic instability, which blocks the mitotic phase of the cell cycle and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Unlike taxanes, it is structurally unrelated but shares a similar mechanism by stabilizing microtubules; however, it has a higher affinity for β-tubulin and remains active against tumor cells resistant to taxanes or anthracyclines due to P-glycoprotein upregulation or β-tubulin mutations. Ixabepilone is primarily indicated for metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer that is resistant to anthracyclines and taxanes, either as monotherapy or in combination with capecitabine[3][4][6][8]. It was developed by Bristol Myers Squibb.

Brand names

Ixempra

Other names

epothilone B analogixabepilone