Synthesis of 4h-benzo[d]pyrrolo[1,2-a]thiazoles and indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives and their use as antitumor therapeutic agents

Abstract

The present invention provides a series of 2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4H-benzo[d]pyrrolo-[1,2-a]thiazoles and 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)indolizino[6,7-b]indole derivatives and their bis(alkylcarbamates) derivatives. These derivatives were designed as bi-functional DNA cross-linking agents. The in vitro cytotoxicity study of these compounds revealed that they exhibit significant anti-proliferative activity in inhibiting human lymphoblastic leukemia and various solid tumor cell growth. The compounds also exhibit therapeutic efficacy against human breast carcinoma and lung cancer in xenograft model. The compounds generally possess potent antitumor activity to kill various human solid tumors and have high potential for clinical applications.