The biochemical pharmacology of nogalamycin and its derivatives.

This review assimilates up-to-date information on the biochemical pharmacology of nogalamycin and selected derivatives that have shown good biological activities and/or received a relatively detailed investigation. The structure and chemical preparation of these derivatives from nogalamycin is described and the nomenclature which has been rather perplexing in the literature is clarified. The interaction of this class of compounds, particularly nogalamycin, with DNA is extensively reviewed. The biochemical mechanism of action of nogalamycin and its structurally closely-related derivatives is described. Among nogalamycin derivatives, menogaril showed distinct biochemical effects as well as superior cytotoxicity and antitumor activity and also proved to be effective against breast cancer clinically.