moxifloxacin-caprylic acid conjugate

Moxifloxacin-caprylic acid conjugate (also known as 15m) is a novel small molecule conjugate synthesized via amide chemistry, linking the fluoroquinolone antibiotic moxifloxacin with the medium-chain fatty acid caprylic acid (octanoic acid). This derivative was designed to enhance the pharmacological profile of moxifloxacin, specifically targeting both bacterial infections and certain malignancies. In preclinical studies, 15m demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cells with an IC50 below 5 µM. Its antibacterial mechanism mirrors that of the parent drug, involving the inhibition of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are essential for bacterial DNA replication and transcription. The compound has shown activity against a range of pathogens, including clinical coagulase-negative staphylococci and *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*.

Other names

moxifloxacin caprylamide