Tretazicar (CB1954)

Tretazicar is a dinitrobenzamide prodrug that is converted in the presence of the enzyme NQO2 and co-substrate caricotamide into a potent cytotoxic bifunctional alkylating agent. CB1954 has been proposed for use in enzyme-prodrug gene therapy systems with the Escherichia coli enzyme nitroreductase (Ntr). Ntr converts CB1954 to 2- and 4-hydroxylamino derivatives, whereupon the non-enzymatic reaction of the 4-hydroxylamino derivative with cellular thio- esters generates a potent cytotoxic bifunctional alkylating agent capable of cross-linking DNA.