Background:

Imexon (BM 06002) is an iminopyrrolidone aziridine with anti-cancer activity.

Imexon (BM 06002) induces oxidative stress in the ER, activates an ER stress response. Imexon (BM 06002) does not significantly alter the levels of eIF2B5, however there is a dose-dependent increase in the phosphorylation of eIF2alpha, as well as an increase in the levels of GTP exchange protein eIF2B2 in MiaPaCa-2, Panc-1, and BxPC3 cells[1]. Imexon (BM 06002) induces single-stranded breaks in the human A375 melanoma cells but only significantly at the highest concentrations for each agent compared to controls. Imexon plus DTIC cytotoxicity is additive[2]. Imexon (BM 06002) show inhibitory activities against MiaPaCa-2, Panc-1 and BxPC3, with IC50s of 275.5 ± 54.2, 147.4 ± 4.7 and 355.7 ± 114.7 μM[3].

Imexon (BM 06002) in combination with DTIC results in an increase in the peak plasma imexon level in non-tumor-bearing mice. The combination of both drugs increases plasma imexon AUC by 22% (p=0.026). Imexon (BM 06002) (100 mg/kg/day, i.v.) treatment decreases the body weight of SCID mice bearing human A375 melanoma tumors, but there is no significant difference in tumor growth[2]. Imexon (BM 06002) (100 mg/kg) in combination with GEM shows synergistic inhibition of Panc-1 tumor growth in SCID mice.

[1]. Sheveleva EV, et al. Imexon induces an oxidative endoplasmic reticulum stress response in pancreatic cancer cells. Mol Cancer Res. 2012 Mar;10(3):392-400. [2]. Samulitis BK, et al. Interaction of dacarbazine and imexon, in vitro and in vivo, in human A375 melanoma cells. Anticancer Res. 2011 Sep;31(9):2781-5. [3]. Roman NO, et al. Imexon enhances gemcitabine cytotoxicity by inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2011 Jan;67(1):183-92.