Echinomycin
Also known as: AM-65, Levomycin, NSC 259776, NSC-526417, Quinomycin A
Source Echinomycin at Peptiology
Save 10% with code PEPTI-BOSSRABBIT-10
Tapping Shop Now & Save 10% copies your 10% off code PEPTI-BOSSRABBIT-10 to your clipboard. Paste it at the Peptiology checkout to claim the discount.
Summary
Echinomycin (also called quinomycin A) is a naturally occurring cyclic peptide produced by Streptomyces species. It intercalates into DNA at specific sites, exhibiting potent antitumor activity in pre‑clinical models. Clinical development has been limited to early‑phase trials; it is not approved for any therapeutic indication.
Mechanism of Action
DNA bis‑intercalator that binds preferentially to CpG sequences, blocking transcription and inducing cytotoxicity in proliferating cells
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Pediatric leukemia treatmentOncologyLow
- Antimicrobial activityAnti InfectiveLow
- Anticancer activity (leukemia, lymphoma)OncologyLow
- Hypoxia‑targeted therapyResearchLow
- HIF-1alpha inhibition in solid tumorsOncology / Hypoxia TargetingLow
- Solid tumor anticancer therapyOncologyModerate
Contraindications
- Severe hepatic impairmentOrganHighLiver function concerns
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Severe myelosuppressionHematologicHigh
- Severe bone marrow suppressionHematologicHigh
Adverse Effects
- HepatotoxicityHepaticUncommonLiver injury or dysfunction
- HypotensionCardiovascularUncommonLow blood pressure
- Nausea/vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
- Nausea and vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
- NeutropeniaHematologicCommonLow neutrophil count
- MucositisGastrointestinal / MucosalUncommon
- MyelosuppressionHematologicCommon
- Elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
Drug Interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitorsLow
- Other myelosuppressive agentsHigh
- DNA-intercalating agents (e.g., anthracyclines)High
Population Constraints
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Patients with pre-existing bone marrow suppressionHematologicAbsolute
- Pregnant womenReproductiveAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionInvestigationalClinical trial authorization only.
- United StatesInvestigationalInvestigational New Drug (IND) status only.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNo MHRA approval; used only in research or historical clinical trials
No FDA or EMA approval; used only in research and early clinical studies.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Echinomycin?
Echinomycin (also called quinomycin A) is a naturally occurring cyclic peptide produced by Streptomyces species. It intercalates into DNA at specific sites, exhibiting potent antitumor activity in pre‑clinical models. Clinical development has been limited to early‑phase trials; it is not approved for any therapeutic indication.
What is Echinomycin used for?
Echinomycin is educationally associated with: Pediatric leukemia treatment, Antimicrobial activity, Anticancer activity (leukemia, lymphoma), Hypoxia‑targeted therapy, HIF-1alpha inhibition in solid tumors, Solid tumor anticancer therapy. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Echinomycin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intravenous.
What are the potential side effects of Echinomycin?
Reported adverse effects include: Hepatotoxicity, Hypotension, Nausea/vomiting, Nausea and vomiting, Neutropenia, Mucositis, Myelosuppression, Elevated liver enzymes. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Echinomycin?
Recorded contraindications: Severe hepatic impairment, Pregnancy, Severe myelosuppression, Severe bone marrow suppression. Consult a qualified clinician before use.