Echinomycin

Cyclic Depsipeptide Antibiotic (quinoxaline Antibiotic)Rx: ResearchCompound: Research

Also known as: AM-65, Levomycin, NSC-526417, Quinomycin A

Educational Only — Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before using any peptide.

Summary

Echinomycin is a naturally occurring cyclic depsipeptide produced by Streptomyces echinatus. It is a potent bisintercalating agent that binds preferentially to CpG-containing DNA sequences, inhibiting transcription. It has demonstrated anticancer activity in preclinical and early clinical studies but has not achieved regulatory approval due to toxicity and limited efficacy in trials. Current research investigates its role as a HIF-1alpha inhibitor for oncology applications.

Mechanism of Action

Bisintercalation into DNA at CpG sequences, causing double-stranded DNA unwinding and inhibition of DNA-dependent RNA synthesis; also inhibits HIF-1alpha transcriptional activity by binding to hypoxia response elements

Routes of Administration

Intravenous

Goals & Uses

  • Pediatric leukemia treatmentOncologyLow
  • Antimicrobial activityAnti InfectiveLow
  • Anticancer activity (leukemia, lymphoma)OncologyLow
  • HIF-1alpha inhibition in solid tumorsOncology / Hypoxia TargetingLow

Contraindications

  • Severe hepatic impairmentOrganHighLiver function concerns
  • PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
  • Severe myelosuppressionHematologicHigh

Adverse Effects

  • HepatotoxicityHepaticUncommonLiver injury or dysfunction
  • HypotensionCardiovascularUncommonLow blood pressure
  • Nausea and vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
  • MucositisGastrointestinal / MucosalUncommon
  • MyelosuppressionHematologicCommon

Drug Interactions

  • Other myelosuppressive agentsHigh
  • DNA-intercalating agents (e.g., anthracyclines)High

Population Constraints

  • Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
  • Patients with pre-existing bone marrow suppressionHematologicAbsolute
  • Pregnant womenReproductiveAbsolute

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionUnapprovedNo EMA approval; research compound only
  • United StatesUnapprovedInvestigated under IND in Phase I/II trials; not approved by FDA; available for research use only
  • United KingdomUnapprovedNo MHRA approval; used only in research or historical clinical trials

Not approved by FDA, EMA, or other major regulatory agencies. Investigated in Phase I/II oncology trials in the 1980s–1990s. Currently used only in preclinical and early-phase research settings.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.

Browse All PeptidesBuild My Stack