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Updated: Sep 24, 2025

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Photocontrolled Biologically Active Compounds - Potential Drug Candidates for Cancer Photopharmacology
Published on: September 29, 2023
Optochemical Control of Therapeutic Agents through Photocatalyzed Isomerization
Emma E Watson1, Francesco Russo1, Dimitri Moreau1
1Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
A Ru(bpy)3 Cl2 photocatalyst is applied to the rapid trans to cis isomerization of a range of alkene-containing pharmacological agents, including combretastatin A-4 (CA-4), a clinical candidate in oncology, and resveratrol derivatives, switching their configuration from inactive substances to potent cytotoxic agents. Selective in cellulo activation of the CA-4 analog Res-3M is demonstrated, along with its potent cytotoxicity and inhibition of microtubule dynamics.
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