Semi-synthetic aristolactams--inhibitors of CDK2 enzyme.

Several analogs of aristolochic acids were isolated and derivatized into their lactam derivatives to study their inhibition in CDK2 assay. The study helped to derive some conclusions about the structure-activity relation around the phenanthrin moiety. Semi-synthetic aristolactam 21 showed good activity with inhibition IC50 of 35 nM in CDK2 assay. The activity of this compound was comparable to some of the most potent synthetic compounds reported in the literature.