obatoclax

Obatoclax is a synthetic small-molecule pan-inhibitor of the Bcl‑2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins, developed as an experimental anticancer agent. It functions as a BH3 mimetic, binding to and inhibiting multiple Bcl‑2 family members including Bcl‑2, Bcl‑XL, Mcl‑1, and A1. This inhibition disrupts their interaction with pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak, thereby promoting apoptosis in cancer cells that overexpress these survival proteins[1][4][6]. Obatoclax can also induce autophagy in certain tumor cell types[8]. The drug was discovered by Gemin X Biotechnologies and later developed by Cephalon (acquired by Teva Pharmaceuticals). It has been studied primarily for hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Hodgkin's lymphoma, mantle-cell lymphoma, myelofibrosis, myelodysplastic syndromes, multiple myeloma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), systemic mastocytosis, follicular lymphoma, aplastic anemia and precursor cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma[2][3][5]. Despite orphan drug designations for some indications in the US and Europe[5], development was discontinued after several Phase I/II trials due to limited efficacy or strategic business decisions.

Other names

obatoclax mesylateGX15-070MSGX-15-070MSGX 15-070MS