NCIt definition : A proprietary, suppository-based formulation composed of idronoxil, a synthetic flavonoid
derivative, surrounded by a proprietary lipid that protects idronoxil from phase 2
degradation, with potential chemo- and radio-sensitizing activities. Upon administration,
idronoxil blocks the activity of ecto-NOX disulfide-thiol exchanger 2 (ENOX2; tNOX),
a tumor-specific external NADH oxidase that maintains the transmembrane electron potential
across the plasma membrane and is overexpressed in certain cancer cell types while
absent in normal, healthy cells. Loss of this potential directly inhibits certain
pro-survival signal transduction pathways, such as the PARP1/PI3 kinase/Akt signaling
pathway. The inhibition of these pathways prevents resistance to standard chemo- and
radio-therapy and makes tumor cells more susceptible to the anti-tumor activity of
conventional chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy. The formulation prevents detoxification
of idronoxil to an inactive form by bypassing phase 2 metabolism; this increases idronoxil's
bioavailability as compared to idronoxil alone.;