Could you tell me about a dual drug, that is, whose structure comes from two pre-existing drugs to treat some type of cancer?
Dual inhibitors, which structure has been designed from two previous pharmacophores?
Question posted by biomi on 8 April 2025
Last updated on 9 April 2025
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Answers
masso
9 April 2025
Venetoclax and azacitidine are cancer drugs.
You have these drugs as a treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
How do venetoclax and azacitidine work?
Venetoclax is a type of targeted cancer drug Open a glossary item called a cancer growth blocker. These block proteins on cancer cells that help them grow and survive. Venetoclax blocks a protein called BCL2. So you might hear it called a BCL2 inhibitor. By blocking this protein it is able to kill and slow down the growth of cancer cells.
Azacitidine is a type of chemotherapy called an anti metabolite Open a glossary item. It stops cells making and repairing DNA Open a glossary item. Cancer cells need to make and repair DNA so they can grow and multiply.
How do you have venetoclax and azacitidine?
You take venetoclax as tablets once a day with a meal. You take them at the same time each day. You swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
You have azacitidine as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously).
Source: Cancer Research U.K. (United Kingdom)
Regards, masso
masso
9 April 2025
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. Generative AI is experimental.
Yes, there are examples of dual drug combinations that treat cancer, including venetoclax and a STING agonist, and 5-FU/leucovorin/irinotecan
Examples of dual drug combinations
Venetoclax and a STING agonist: Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) found that this combination was highly effective against AML, particularly the more aggressive forms.
5-FU/leucovorin/irinotecan (FOLFIRI): This combination is used to treat colorectal cancer.
How are combination therapies developed?
Scientists develop combination therapies by experimenting with drugs that work well against certain cancer types. The drugs in a combination therapy can have different mechanisms of action, which can complement each other to kill cancer cells.
Benefits of combination therapies
Combination therapies can reduce the chances of resistance developing to any one drug, and can often be used at lower doses.
Challenges of combination therapies
However, combination therapies can also have toxicity issues, and many require simultaneous inhibition of multiple targets.
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