Cytotoxic alpha-bromoacrylic derivatives of distamycin analogues modified at the amidino moiety

The design, synthesis, in vitro and in vivo activities of novel alpha-bromo acrylic derivatives of distamycin A, modified at the amidino moiety by the replacement with basic or non-basic groups are reported. In spite of the re levance of these modifications of distamycin frame, the new derivatives are potent cytotoxics. The presence of the amidino moiety, is, therefore, not an absolute requirement for the activity. In particular due to a favorable myclotoxicity/cytotoxicity ratio, guanidino derivative PNU 166196 was selec ted for clinical development. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res erved.