mitoxantrone hydrochloride

Mitoxantrone hydrochloride (also known as mitoanthraquinone hydrochloride) is a synthetic anthracenedione antineoplastic agent that acts as a type II topoisomerase inhibitor and DNA intercalator. By intercalating into DNA and forming stable complexes with topoisomerase II, it induces double-strand breaks and inhibits DNA synthesis and repair, ultimately leading to cell death. While the conventional formulation has been used for decades in treating various malignancies and multiple sclerosis, a novel liposomal formulation (mitoanthraquinone hydrochloride liposomes) has been developed to improve the therapeutic index. This liposomal version, marketed as Duoenda in China by CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, is designed to enhance drug delivery to tumor tissues while minimizing systemic toxicities, particularly cardiotoxicity. It is currently approved in China for peripheral T-cell lymphoma and is being evaluated in clinical trials for other hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia, often in combination with other agents like azacitidine and venetoclax.

Brand names

DuoendaNovantrone

Other names

mitoanthraquinone hydrochloridemitoxantronemitoanthraquinone hydrochloride liposomes