Xcytrin

Xcytrin is a small molecule drug that was developed by Pharmacyclics, a pharmaceutical company based in Sunnyvale, California. The drug, also known as motexafin gadolinium, was designed to treat brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

History

Xcytrin was first developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was initially tested in Phase I clinical trials to determine its safety and dosage. The drug then moved into Phase II clinical trials, where its effectiveness and side effects were further evaluated.

Mechanism of Action

Xcytrin works by disrupting the balance of redox reactions in cancer cells. It does this by selectively accumulating in cancer cells and interfering with their metabolism. This causes the cancer cells to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage their DNA and other cellular components, leading to cell death.

Clinical Trials

In Phase III clinical trials, Xcytrin was tested in combination with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for the treatment of brain metastases from NSCLC. However, the results of these trials were mixed, and the drug was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this indication.

Current Status

As of 2021, Xcytrin is not currently on the market. Pharmacyclics was acquired by AbbVie in 2015, and it is unclear whether the drug will be further developed or marketed in the future.

See Also

• Pharmacyclics
• Brain metastases
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Clinical trials
• Food and Drug Administration