venetoclax + alvocidib

A combination therapy of **venetoclax**, a selective B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitor, and **alvocidib** (also known as flavopiridol), a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor with primary activity against CDK9. This drug combination is investigated primarily for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly relapsed/refractory cases. Venetoclax forces apoptosis in cancer cells by inhibiting BCL-2, a key anti-apoptotic protein, while alvocidib reduces expression of anti-apoptotic MCL-1 and increases pro-apoptotic proteins (such as BIM and NOXA), further sensitizing cells to apoptosis. The combination synergistically enhances cancer cell death, overcoming resistance mechanisms in AML seen with BCL-2 inhibition alone. The regimen has undergone phase 1b trials and preclinical studies, with modest clinical efficacy reported but favorable tolerability in patients[1][2][3][5].

Brand names

Venclexta (venetoclax)venetoclax + alvocidib

Other names

venetoclax combined with alvocidibvenetoclax + flavopiridol