RDD-19

RDD-19 is a small molecule hydroxyethylamine derivative and a chemical precursor to the HIV-1 protease inhibitor darunavir. Beyond its relationship to antiretroviral agents, RDD-19 has demonstrated potent anticancer activity in preclinical models, particularly against hepatoma cell lines like HepG2. Its mechanism of action involves the induction of both caspase-dependent apoptosis and caspase-independent cell death pathways, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy. Evidence suggests RDD-19 acts as a proteasome inhibitor, leading to the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, and suppresses cell survival by reducing the levels of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt).