Abstract CT158: Use of 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonyl-penclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) as therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) involving the CNS

Background: 4-Demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) is a poly-chlorinated pyridine cholesteryl carbonate that was designed to penetrate the blood brain barrier and be useful as therapy for brain tumors (IND 68,876). A 3-stage mechanism is proposed for drug entry into the CNS and into cancer cells via reversible binding with sialic acid on the surface of RBC’s; and transported into cancer cells with L-glutamine. DM-CHOC-PEN has a MOA via bis-alkylation of DNA @ N7-guanine and N4-cytosine. DM-CHOC-PEN has completed clinical trials involving sixty-four (64) adults and nineteen (19) adolescent/young adult subjects with advanced cancers. Long term survival, good qualities of life and minimal toxicities [AACR #1185, 2013; AACR #CT 129, 2019; AACR #CT152, 2021] have been reported. This update provides affirmation that the drug, previously described as a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) involving the CNS, is well tolerated with continued durations of responses, no new toxicities, good survival and good quality of life. Primary aims of the previously reported DM-CHOC-PEN clinical trials were to assess clinical response and monitor toxicities/safety and verify the maximum tolerated doses (MTD) for the drug administered IV to subjects with cancer. Here is an update on the long term responses, tolerance and quality of survival in subjects with NSCLC involving the CNS.

Subjects & Methods: DM-CHOC-PEN was administered to adults (> 18 y/o) with NSCLC involving the CNS that lacked genetic rearrangements or tumor targets and/or had failed standard therapies as a 3-hr IV infusion once every 21 days employing a verified 2-tiered MTD schedule: 85.8 mg/m2 for subjects with liver involvement and 98.7 mg/m2 for subjects with normal livers.

Results: Sixteen (16) adult subjects with NSCLC have been treated to date, which 11 had NSCLC (adeno/large cell carcinomas) involving the CNS that lacked genetic rearrangements, had no tumor targets, and/or had failed standard therapies. Seven of the 11 subjects with NSCLC involving the CNS also possessed cerebellar metastases. The drug was well tolerated with no Gr-3 toxicities. The most common Gr-2 adverse effects were reversible fatigue (17%), reversible vasogenic edema (9%) and nausea (9%). No drug associated neuro/psychological, hematological, cardiac or renal toxicities have been observed, nor have there been any drug associated deaths reported. The pK modelling and properties for the drug have been previously reported [AACR #1185, 2013] and continue to be confirmed. Eight (8) subjects with NSCLC involving the CNS responded to DM-CHOC-PEN with documented CR/PR (RECIST 1.1) and improved OS/QOL/PFS (Kaplan-Meier) lasting 8 - 82+ mos. with survivals of 25% at 34 mos., 50% at 10 mos. and 8% at 84+ mos.

Conclusion: DM-CHOC-PEN is a bis-alkylator of DNA that is safe at the dose levels described and has produced long term objective responses with manageable toxicities and improved quality of life in subjects with NSCLC involving the CNS lacking genetic rearrangements or tumor targets and/or had failed standard therapies. Complete data on subject responses and observed toxicities will be presented. Supported by NCI/SBIR grants - R43/44CA132257 and NIH NIGMS 1 U54 GM104940 - the latter supports the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center, New Orleans, LA

Citation Format: Lee Roy Morgan, Roy S. Weiner, T. Mahmood, C. Gordon, M. Bhandari, AH Rodgers, ML Ware, Marc Matrana, Thomas M. Cosgriff, Philip Friedlander, J-J Zou. Use of 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonyl-penclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) as therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) involving the CNS [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr CT158.

Abstract CT119: Early phase I clinical trial results for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) plus radiation in cancers involving the CNS

Purpose:4-Demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) is a poly-chlorinated pyridine cholesteryl carbonate with a mechanism of action (MOA) via bis-alkylation of DNA @ N7-guanine and N4-cytosine that has completed Phase I/II studies [AACR, 58, #CT129, 2017] in subjects with cancers involving the CNS. Four (4) subjects in the Phase I/II trials required surgery for persistent CNS lesions following DM-CHOC-PEN therapy and DM-CHOC-PEN was identified in samples from all 4-subjects - 90-212 ng/g tumor [subjects had been treated with 39-98.8 mg/m2 of drug]. Thus, the drug penetrates the CNS and concentrates in tumors. It is available, therefore, to act as a radiosensitizer as demonstrated in in vitro studies [AACR, 58, #4746, 2017]. The current presentation reviews Phase I clinical data that supports the safety, dose-tolerance, and use of DM-CHOC-PEN with radiation in subjects with cancers involving the CNS - IND 68,876.

Patients & Methods: DM-CHOC-PEN was administered as a 3-hr IV infusion once every 21 days to subjects with advanced cancer involving the CNS. A single dose was administered prior to standard radiation therapy. The dose was escalated from 39 mg/m2 to 98.7 mg/m2 I.X1, then 3-weeks later the subject received stereotaxic radio-surgery (SRS) or whole brain irradiation (WBRT). Total radiation administered was 15-30 Gy depending on the size and number of lesions.

Results: Nine (9) subjects with cancer involving the CNS have been treated to date - (6-NSCLC, 1-breast, 1-melanoma & 1-sarcoma). Subjects received 39, 55, 70, 86.8 or 98.7 mg/m2 followed by 15-30 Gy of radiation. The drug/radiation combination was well tolerated. One (1) subject with NSCLC developed vasogenic edema and tumor necrosis which resolved; that subject is in complete remission 31+ mos. Six out of nine subjects have had objective responses (OS 4 - 42+ mos.) Bioavailability for DM-CHOC-PEN revealed a rebound phenomenon @ ~ 50 hours post-infusion with a T-release of 26.7 h. The same phenomenon was observed with RBCs (estimation using Monolix 3.2). DM-CHOC-PEN was detected bound to RBCs for 3-days (after 70 mg/m2); DM-CHOC-PEN was also detected in the urine (Cmax=17.5 µg/mL) until day 15. The AUC was linear for all doses. Pre-clinical in vitro studies supported the clinical data: NSCLC cells treated with DM-CHOC-PEN (0.1 -1.0 µg/mL) demonstrated 50 & 100% cytotoxicity @ 0.4 & 1.0 µg/mL. For radiation alone (6, 9 &12 Gy) - cell kill was 20 & 65% @ 6 & 12 Gy [100% kill was not observed at this dose range]; for DM-CHOC-PEN (0.25 µg/mL) plus radiation (6-12 Gy) - cell kill was 80 & 100% @ 6 & 12 Gy. Photon induced charge transfer reactions with DM-CHOC-PEN will be discussed.

Conclusion: Preliminary data is presented that supports enhanced cytotoxicity and safety of DM-CHOC-PEN plus radiation as therapy for subjects with cancers involving the CNS. Observations during Phase I/II clinical trials with DM-CHOC-PEN alone support the drug's persistent presence in human tumors after systemic administration and possible positive effects on response to subsequent radiation. Complete data on subject responses and observed toxicities will be presented. Supported by - NCI/SBIR grants - R43 CA213545-01 and NIH NIGMS 1 U54 GM104940 - the latter funds the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center.

Citation Format: LR Morgan, T Mahmood, R S. Weiner, R Kawauchi, M Bhandari, K Devisitty, J Herman, R Summe, ML Ware, P Friedlander, AH Rodgers. Early phase I clinical trial results for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) plus radiation in cancers involving the CNS [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT119.

Abstract CT052: Clinical trial results for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) in cancers involving the CNS

Background: 4-Demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) is a poly-chlorinated pyridine cholesteryl carbonate with a MOA via bis-alkylation of DNA @ N7-guanine and N4-cytosine that has completed Phase I and II trials (the latter on subjects with CNS involvement) [AACR #1185, 2013; AACR #CT 129]. The primary aim was to assess clinical response and secondary aims to monitor toxicities/safety and verify the MTDs for IV administered DM-CHOC-PEN that derived in Phase I study (IND 68,876). We report here the responses and toxicities seen in all the subjects treated.

Subjects & Methods: In Phase I, DM-CHOC-PEN was administered as a 3-hr IV infusion once every 21 days to subjects with advanced cancer; cohorts received escalating doses from 39 - 111 mg/m2. The Phase II dose schedule was 2-tiered: 85.8 mg/m2 for subjects with liver involvement and 98.7 mg/m2 for subjects with normal livers.

Results: Fifty two (52) subjects have been treated to date - 25 in Phase I (cancer subjects with or without CNS involvement) and 27 in Phase II (with CNS involvement). The common tumor types treated were primary brain cancers and melanoma, breast, and lung cancers involving the CNS. The drug was well tolerated; the most common adverse effects were fatigue (17%), reversible liver dysfunction (9%) and nausea (11%). No neuro/psychological, hematological, cardiac or renal toxicities were observed. PK modeling revealed that AUCs were parallel for all dose levels (39-111 mg/m2). The Cmax for DM-CHOC-PEN and DM-PEN (4-demethylpenclomedine, a metabolite) were 3 and 24 hours, respectively. Both DM-CHOC-PEN and DM-PEN were detected 3 to 15 days after administration associated (up to 50%) with rbcs. Of interest, young adults (<40 y/o) demonstrated significant increases in Cmax and AUC vs. older subjects, supporting the need for trials in adolescents and young adults. DM-CHOC-PEN was also detected in CNS tumor tissue obtained surgically from five (5) subjects - in concentrations of 75-210 ng/g, 22 days to 9 mos. post treatments at doses of 39 or 98.7 mg/m2 of drug. To date, 16 subjects with lung cancer (11 with NSCLC involving the CNS) have been treated. Seven of the 11 subjects with NSCLC involving the CNS (incl. 6 with cerebellar disease) have responded with CR/PR (RECIST 1.1) and improved OS/QOL/PFS (Kaplan-Meier) lasting 8+ - 32+ mos. Conclusion: DM-CHOC-PEN is safe at these dose levels and has produced objective responses with manageable toxicities in subjects with cancer involving the CNS. Complete data on subject responses and observed toxicities will be presented. We propose a 3-stage mechanism for drug entry into the CNS and into NSCLC cells via reversible binding with RBCs and then associated with L-glutamine transport into cells. Supported by NCI/SBIR grants - R43/44CA132257 and NIH NIGMS 1 U54 GM104940 - the latter funds the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center.

Citation Format: Roy S. Weiner, Lee Roy Morgan, T Mahmood, R. Kawauchi, C. Gordon, ML Ware, M. Matrana, TM Cosgriff, AH Rodgers, G. Bastian, M. Bhandari, J-J Zou. Clinical trial results for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) in cancers involving the CNS [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT052. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-CT052

Abstract CT129: Phase II clinical trial results for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) in NSCLC involving the CNS

Background: 4-Demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) is a poly-chlorinated pyridine cholesteryl carbonate with a MOA via bis-alkylation of DNA @ N7-guanine and N4-cytosine that has completed a Phase I study [AACR #1185, 2013] and is being evaluated in a Phase II trial in patients with primary brain cancers and with melanoma, breast, and lung cancers with metastases to brain. The aims are to assess clinical response when DM-CHOC-PEN is administered I.V. at MTD and to monitor duration of responses and safety (IND 68,876). We report here the responses and toxicities seen in patients with NSCLC involving the CNS.

Patients & Methods: In Phase I, DM-CHOC-PEN was administered as a 3-hr IV infusion once every 21 days to patients with advanced cancer; cohorts received escalating doses from 39 - 111 mg/m2. The Phase II dose schedule is 2-tiered: 85.8 mg/m2 for patients with liver involvement and 98.7 mg/m2 for patients with normal livers. Results: Fifty two (52) patients have been treated to date - 26 in Phase I (cancer patients with or without CNS involvement) and 26 in Phase II (with CNS involvement). The drug was well tolerated; the most common adverse effects were fatigue (17%), reversible liver dysfunction (9%) and nausea (11%). No neuro/psychological, hematological, cardiac or renal toxicities were observed. PK modeling revealed that AUCs were parallel for all dose levels (39-111 mg/m2). The Cmax for DM-CHOC-PEN and DM-PEN (4-demethylpenclomedine, a metabolite) were 3 and 24 hours, respectively. Both DM-CHOC-PEN and DM-PEN were detected 3 to 15 days after administration associated (up to 50%) with rbcs. DM-CHOC-PEN was also detected in CNS tumor tissue obtained surgically from five (5) patients - concentrations of 75-210 ng/g, 22 days to 9 mos. post treatments at doses of 39 or 98.7 mg/m2 of drug. To date, 16 patients with lung cancer (11 with NSCLC involving the CNS) have been treated. Seven of the 11 patients with NSCLC involving the CNS (incl. 6 with cerebellar disease) have responded with CR/PR (RECIST 1.1) and improved OS/QOL/PFS (Kaplan-Meier) lasting 6+ - 21+ mos. Conclusion: DM-CHOC-PEN is safe at these dose levels and has produced objective responses with manageable toxicities in NSCLC involving the CNS. Complete data on patient responses and observed toxicities will be presented. We propose a 2-stage mechanism for drug entry into the CNS and into NSCLC cells via reversible binding with RBCs and then L-glutamine transport into cells. Supported by NCI/SBIR grants - R43/44CA132257 and NIH NIGMS 1 U54 GM104940 - the latter funds the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center.

Citation Format: Roy S. Weiner, T Mahmood, C Gordon, ML Ware, LR Morgan, TM Cosgriff, AH Rodgers, G Bastian, R Kawauchi, M Matrana, J-J Zou. Phase II clinical trial results for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) in NSCLC involving the CNS. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr CT129.

Abstract CT218: Results from the early cancer clinical trials for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN)

Purpose: 4-Demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN), is a poly-chlorinated pyridine cholesteryl carbonate whose MOA is via alkylation of DNA @ N7 - guanine and N6 - cytosine and via oxidative stress. DM-CHOC-PEN underwent a phase I study in patients with advanced cancer +/- CNS involvement and is being evaluated in a phase II trial in patients with primary brain cancer and brain metastases from melanoma, breast, and lung cancers. The aims are to assess clinical responses when DM-CHOC-PEN is administered I.V, at maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and to monitor safety/toxicities, pharmacokinetics, and cardiac functions - IND 68,876.

Patients & Methods: In phase I, DM-CHOC-PEN was administered as a 3-hr IV infusion once every 21-days to patients with advanced cancer - melanoma (n = 3), colorectal CA (n = 4), breast (n = 3), lung (n = 8) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (n = 9) - the most common tumor treated. Cohorts were treated with escalating doses from 39 to 111 mg/m2. The phase II dose schedule is 2-tiered: 85.8 mg/m2 for patients with liver involvement and 98.7 mg/m2 for patients with normal livers.

Results: Forty (40) patients have been treated to date - 27 in phase I and 13 in phase II. The drug was well tolerated; the most common adverse effects were fatigue (n = 2), liver dysfunction - elevated bilirubin (Gr-3, n = 3; Gr-2, n = 1), ALT/AST (Gr-2, n = 3), alk phos (Gr-2, n = 3), nausea (Gr-1/2, n = 5) and an allergic reaction (Gr-2, n = 1). Three (3) patients with liver metastasis had hyperbilirubinemia (Gr-3 SLT) - two (2) at 98.7 mg/m2 and one (1) at 111 mg/m2 levels. No neuro/psychological, hematological, cardiac or renal toxicities were observed. PK studies revealed the following profile for DM-CHOC-PEN 98.7 mg/m2: AUC o-t = 1850 mg.h/L, CL - 3.0 L/h, T1/2 α - 3.3 h & Tβ - 79.1 h. DM-CHOC PEN and DM-PEN (metabolite) showed a rebound phenomenon at ∼50 hours post-infusion with a T release of 26.7 h for plasma and rbcs. DM-CHOC-PEN and DM-PEN were detected 3 and 15 days bound to RBCs (70 - 111 mg/m2); DM-CHOC-PEN was also detected in the urine (Cmax = 17.5 μg/mL) until day 21. The AUC was linear for all doses. DM-CHOC-PEN was detected in spinal sarcoma and in lung cancer tissues (75 & 190 ng/g, resp.) surgically obtained from patients 21-days post single injection of 39 & 98.7 mg/m2, resp. Patients receiving dexamethasone demonstrated lower blood levels of DM-CHOC-PEN along with induction of steroid esterase activities. After multiple doses, DM-CHOC-PEN also induced steroid esterase levels, which reversed within 4 weeks. Steroid esterase assays may be a valuable companion assay.

Conclusion: DM-CHOC-PEN is safe at the presented dose levels and shows a favorable PK profile. To date, 15 patients have had responses with significant PFS/OS, including 10 with CNS involvement. DM-CHOC-PEN is well tolerated with manageable toxicities. Complete patient responses/toxicities will be presented. Supported by NCI/SBIR grant - R43/44CA132257

Citation Format: Roy S. Weiner, P Friedlander, T Mahmood, Adilia Hormigo, C Gordon, Y Saenger, ML Ware, VK Thirukonda, VM Patel, TJ Cosgriff, AH Rodgers, LR Morgan, G Bastian. Results from the early cancer clinical trials for 4-demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr CT218. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-CT218

Abstract 1185: A first-in-humans phase I cancer clinical trial for 4-Demthyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN)

Purpose: 4-Demethyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN) is a poly-chlorinated pyridine cholesteryl carbonate whose MOA is via alkylation of DNA @ N7 - guanine and induces oxidative stress. The main aims of this first-in human trial were to determine maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety, dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and pharmacokinetics (PK) of DM-CHOC-PEN - IND 68,876.

Patients & Methods: DM-CHOC-PEN was administered as a 3-hr IV infusion once every 21-days in 21 patients with melanoma (n=3), colorectal CA (CRC, n=3), and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (n= 6); the most frequent diagnoses. The trial allowed enrollment of patients with advanced cancer +/- CNS involvement. The starting dose was 39 mg/m2 with escalations to date up to 98.7 mg/m2.

Results: Twenty-one (21) patients have been treated to date. MTD was 2-tiered and defined as 85.8 mg/m2 for patients with liver involvement and, for patients without liver abnormality it is not yet defined but is at least 98.7 mg/m2, for the latter population. The drug was well tolerated with the most common adverse effects being fatigue (n=2), liver dysfunction - elevated bilirubin (Gr-3, n=2; Gr-2, n=1), ALT/AST (Gr-2, n=3), alk phos (Gr-2, n=3) and an allergic reaction (Gr-2, n=1). No neuro/psychological, hematological or renal toxicity observed.

Two (2) patients with liver metastasis demonstrated hyperbilirubinemia (Gr-3 SLT) at the 98.7 mg/m2 dose level. Five (5) additional patients with liver disease have been treated at 85.8 mg/m2 level without toxicity - the MTD for that stage of cancer. Dose cohorts @ 98.7 mg/m2 are in progress for non-liver staged patients. PK studies in humans revealed the following profile for DM-CHOC-PEN 70 mg/kg: AUC o-t = 980 mg.h/L, CL - 0.141L/h, T1/2 α - 0.63 h & Tβ - 24.1 h. DM-CHOC PEN and DM-PEN showed a rebound phenomenon @ ∼ 50 hours post-infusion with a T release of 26.7h. Same phenomenon is observed in RBCs (estimation using Monolix 3.2). DM-CHOC-PEN and DM-PEN were detected 3 and 15 days bound to RBCs (after 70 mg/m2); DM-CHOC-PEN was also detected in the urine (Cmax=17.5 μg/mL) until day 15. The AUC was linear for all doses. Similar to the rats, the total lipid profiles in the patients were erratic (2o to the lipid emulsion vehicle) during the 3-h infusion period, and then returned to pre-treatment values after 24 h. The triglycerides were the most significantly affected. DM-CHOC-PEN could be identified in spinal sarcoma tissue (in 190 ng/g quantities) obtained surgically from a patient 21- days post single injection of 39 mg/m2. Conclusion: DM-CHOC-PEN is safe at the presented dose levels and shows a favorable PK profile. Seven (7) patients have observed responses or significant PFS, including 5 with CNS involvement. DM-CHOC-PEN is well tolerated with manageable toxicities. Complete patient responses/toxicities will be presented. Supported by NCI/SBIR grant -1R43CA132257.

Citation Format: Roy S. Weiner, Philip Friedlander, Craig Gordon, Yvonne Saenger, Marcus Ware, Tallat Mahmood, AH Rodgers, Gerard Bastian, S Urien, Lee Roy Morgan. A first-in-humans phase I cancer clinical trial for 4-Demthyl-4-cholesteryloxycarbonylpenclomedine (DM-CHOC-PEN). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1185. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1185

Comparative dermal pharmacology and toxicology of 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (A-007) in rodents and primates

4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-ditrophenylhydrazone (A-007) has demonstrated anticancer activities, when administered topically to patients with metastatic cancer to the skin. Acute, subacute and subchronic dermal studies with A-007 in adult rabbits, rats, guinea pigs and monkeys failed to demonstrate local or systemic toxicity when applied topically as a 0.25% gel. A-007 did not penetrate the dermal lymphatics and did not produce detectable levels of A-007 in the plasma when applied as a 0.25% gel topically to skin. In the above studies, topically administered A-007 stimulated local sub-epithelial and dermal lymphocyte modulation, with increased CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) noted, in guinea pig skin. Generally topical A-007 is well tolerated and may have useful immune modulation properties.

Anticancer properties for 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (A-007)/3,7-diaminophenothiazin-5-ium double salts

4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (A-007) formed stable double salts with phenothiazin-5-ium salts (2a-d), which have improved in vitro anticancer activities, as compared to A-007 alone. The stable salt between methylene blue (2a) and A-007 allowed the latter to diffuse into the dermis layers of skin. It is anticipated that these new salts will allow A-007 to penetrate into the deep lymphatic/vascular channels of the dermis, which contain metastatic cancer cells, and improve in vivo anticancer activities.

Comparative preclinical toxicology and pharmacology of 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (A-007) in vitro and in rodents and primates

4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (A-007) is being evaluated for its anticancer activities. Acute, subacute and chronic oral, dermal, opthalmic and dermal LD50 and acceptance studies in adult mice, rats, rabbits and monkeys demonstrated some vomiting at 5 g/kg doses in monkeys but otherwise no unacceptable toxicities. In vitro, T.I. for A-007 were calculated using murine bone marrow GM-CFC and human cancer cell lines. A relative oral bioavailability factor of 2% was calculated for rats and monkeys for plasma A-007. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis suggests enterohepatic circulation. Plasma A-007 could not be detected after applying a 0.25% gel topically. Generally, A-007 is well tolerated.

Relative bioavailability of 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (A-007) in rats and monkeys

4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (A-007) is being evaluated for its anticancer activities in melanoma, breast cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoproliferative disorders. A single oral dose of 1 g/kg of A-007 in rats resulted in prolonged and low plasma levels, typically less than 150 ng/ml for several days. Similarly, a single oral dose of 5 g/kg of A-007 in monkeys resulted in prolonged and low plasma levels, typically less than 22 ng/ml for several days. Oral bioavailability data suggests that this is not an efficient mode of drug administration and availability diminishes as one progresses from rodents to primates (relative oral bioavailability 2%); thus suggesting an alternative form of drug delivery is required in higher species. A-007 is not detected in plasma after a 0.25% gel is applied topically to the skin daily for 28 days. Early clinical support the topical use of A-007 to treat cutaneous metastasis for human breast cancer. The present data further support a dermal approach for the use of A-007 to treat metastatic cutaneous cancers.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone in plasma

An analytical method has been developed for the determination of 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (I, trade name A-007) in plasma. Plasma samples are primed with the internal standard, 2,2'-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (II), deproteinized with acetonitrile, centrifuged and filtered prior to assay. The components are then separated on a reversed-phase column with retention times of 4.4 and 6.0 min for I and II, respectively. Ultraviolet detection at 365 nm was employed and little interference with the analyte or the internal standard was noted from other plasma components. This method has been applied to the plasma of rats and monkeys doses for pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies.

Influence of pH on retention and selectivity in micellar liquid chromatography: consequences of micellar-induced shifts of ionization constants

The retention and selectivity of ionizable solutes in the two-surfactant-mediated reversed-phase LC techniques (micellar and ion pair) are compared through the use of a general retention equation for mono- and zwitterionic solutes. In RPLC with different mobile-phase modifiers (organic solvents, surfactants), the influence of pH can be quantitatively described by one general equation. The existing theory for the secondary chemical equilibria has been applied to compare selectivity effects in micellar and ion-pair chromatography. In order to predict the influence of different mobile-phase compositions on the selectivity of ionizable compounds, one should determine how a mobile-phase parameter influences the ionization equilibria (i.e., selective shifts of pKa) and self-selectivity (defined as the ratio of retention factors of the acid/conjugate base). For example, the first ionization constants of amino acids and peptides in aqueous mobile phase are between pH 2.3 and 3.4. Consequently, the pH required to maximize the retention of these solutes by ion suppression is less than the operational pH range of silica-based columns. In addition, since the pKa1 values of these solutes are similar, adjustment of pH has little effect on separation selectivity. In contrast, ion-pairing and micellar mobile phases with SDS surfactant increase the magnitude and range of the ionization constants. These trends are more pronounced with micellar mobile phase. The displacement of solute ionization constants to higher PH with micellar mobile phase allows the maximal, limiting, retention of zwitterionic solutes to be observed within the pH limits of silica-based columns.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Simultaneous optimization of pH and micelle concentration in micellar liquid chromatography

A retention model for ionizable compounds in micellar liquid chromatography is derived and verified. The use of the model for the prediction of retention is illustrated and appropriate optimization strategies for the separation of ionizable compounds in Micellar Liquid Chromatography are discussed.

Simultaneous optimization of variables influencing selectivity and elution strength in micellar liquid chromatography. Effect of organic modifier and micelle concentration

Previously, the simultaneous enhancement of separation selectivity with elution strength was reported in micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) using the hybrid eluents of water-organic solvent-micelles. The practical implication of this phenomenon is that better separations can be achieved in shorter analysis times by using the hybrid eluents. Since both micelle concentration and volume fraction of organic modifier influence selectivity and solvent strength, only an investigation of the effects of a simultaneous variation of these parameters will disclose the full separation capability of the method, i.e. the commonly used sequential solvent optimization approach of adjusting the solvent strength first and then improving selectivity in reversed-phase liquid chromatography is inefficient for the case of MLC with the hybrid eluents. This is illustrated in this paper with two examples: the optimization of the selectivity in the separation of a mixture of phenols and the optimization of a resolution-based criterion determined for the separation of a number of amino acids and small peptides. The large number of variables involved in the separation process in MLC necessitates a structured approach in the development of practical applications of this technique. A regular change in retention behavior is observed with the variation of the surfactant concentration and the concentration of organic modifier, which enables a successful prediction of retention times. Consequently interpretive optimization strategies such as the interative regression method are applicable.

Simultaneous enhancement of separation selectivity and solvent strength in reversed-phase liquid chromatography using micelles in hydro-organic solvents

The role of micelles and organic solvents as the modifiers of the aqueous mobile phase in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) in controlling retention and selectivity is discussed. Elution strength increases in RPLC with an increase in organic solvent or micelle concentration. Simultaneous enhancement of separation selectivity with elution strength in the hybrid eluents of water-organic solvent-micelles was observed. This selectivity enhancement occurs systematically, i.e. peak separation increases monotonically with volume fraction of organic solvent added to micellar eluent, and is observed for a large number of ionic and nonionic compounds with different functional groups and for two surfactants (anionic and cationic). For two test mixtures, 13 amino acids/peptides and 15 phenols, it is shown that a better separation and shorter analysis time are observed at stronger hybrid eluents. This selectivity enhancement can be attributed to the competing partitioning equilibria in micellar LC systems and/or to the unique characteristics of micelles to compartmentalize solutes and organic solvents.