Liposome encapsulated mitoxantrone

Liposome encapsulated mitoxantrone (LEM) is an investigational liposomal formulation of the cytotoxic agent mitoxantrone, originally developed by NeoPharm and later by INSYS Therapeutics. The drug utilizes the proprietary NeoLipid™ Electrostatic Liposome Encapsulation Technology to encapsulate mitoxantrone, an anthraquinone derivative, within lipid-based nanoparticles. This delivery system is designed to optimize the pharmacokinetic profile of mitoxantrone by increasing its plasma half-life and enhancing its accumulation in tumor tissues through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, while simultaneously reducing systemic toxicities such as cardiotoxicity. Mitoxantrone exerts its antineoplastic effect by intercalating into DNA and inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase II, leading to DNA strand breaks and the inhibition of DNA synthesis. LEM was primarily investigated in Phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of advanced solid tumors, though development ceased following the financial collapse of its developer.

Other names

Liposome entrapped mitoxantroneLiposomal mitoxantroneLEM-INSYS