Design, synthesis, and anti-cancer evaluation of C-14 arylcarbamate derivatives of andrographolide

In this study, we explored a concise and mild synthetic route to produce novel C-14 arylcarbamate derivatives of andrographolide, a known anti-inflammatory and anticancer natural product. Upon assessing their anti-cancer efficacy against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, some derivatives showed stronger cytotoxicity against PANC-1 cells than andrographolide. In addition, we demonstrated one derivative, compound 3m, effectively reduced the expression of oncogenic p53 mutant proteins (p53^R273H and p53^R248W), proliferation, and migration in PDAC lines, PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2. Accordingly, the novel derivative holds promise as an anti-cancer agent against pancreatic cancer. In summary, our study broadens the derivative library of andrographolide and develops an arylcarbamate derivative of andrographolide with promising anticancer activity against PDAC.