Motexafin gadolinium is studied in the treatment of cancer by Pharmacyclics. It may make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy, improve tumor images using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and... It belongs to the family of drugs called metalloporphyrin complexes.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Motexafin gadolinium (Xcytrin) is Pharmacyclics' most advanced anti-cancer product candidate, a small-molecule drug with a novel mechanism of action. Xcytrin accumulates selectively in cancer cells due to their increased rates of metabolism. Once inside the cell, Xcytrin induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) by disrupting redox-dependent pathways. Xcytrin inhibits the enzyme thioredoxin reductase, which is a tumor growth promoter. This mechanism provides the opportunity to use Xcytrin in a wide range of cancers. Xcytrin is paramagnetic, and therefore is detectable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allowing the visualization of the drug in tumors.
- Primary indication
- Investigated for use/treatment in brain cancer, cancer/tumors (unspecified), lung cancer, and lymphoma (non-hodgkin's).Curator reviewed
- Formula / weight
- C52H72GdN5O14 · 1148.4 g/mol (avg)
- Also known as
- Gadolinium texaphyrin
- Code names
- PCI 0120
Resolves to
VAZLWPAHMORDGR-WRIGXHCHSA-LSMILES[Gd+3].CC([O-])=O.CC([O-])=O.CCC1=C(CC)/C2=C/C3=N/C(=C\N=C4/C=C(OCCOCCOCCOC)C(OCCOCCOCCOC)=C/C/4=N\C=C4/N=C(/C=C\1\[N-]\2)C(CCCO)=C4C)/C(C)=C3CCCOWhat you can answer from here — as of June 15, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Motexafin gadolinium, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account