racemetyrosine

Racemetyrosine is a synthetic, orally active small molecule and tyrosine derivative, also known as D,L-alpha-metyrosine or SM‑88. It functions as a faulty amino acid protein building block that disrupts protein synthesis in cancer cells, leading to inhibition of tumor growth[2][3]. Mechanistically, racemetyrosine acts through multiple pathways including inhibition of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase (thereby reducing catecholamine synthesis), stimulation of apoptosis, immunomodulation (altering the tumor microenvironment), induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and disruption of autophagy[2][3][6]. It has been investigated primarily for use in advanced cancers such as pancreatic cancer—often in combination with methoxsalen, phenytoin, and sirolimus—and has received orphan drug designation for pancreatic cancer[3][7]. The drug was originally developed by Tyme Technologies and later acquired by Syros Pharmaceuticals[3].

Other names

a-methylparatyrosinealpha metyrosineD/L-alpha metyrosineRacemetirosinaRacemetirosinum