mitonafide

Mitonafide is a naphthalimide derivative that acts as a DNA intercalator and an inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase II. It was developed as an antineoplastic agent and reached Phase I and Phase II clinical trials for various solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. While it demonstrated antitumor activity, its clinical progression was halted due to severe systemic toxicities, most notably dose-limiting central nervous system (CNS) toxicity and myelosuppression. It has since served as a structural scaffold for the development of next-generation naphthalimide analogs aimed at reducing toxicity while maintaining efficacy.

Other names

5-nitro-2-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3-dione