Devimistat (CPI-613)

Devimistat, also known as CPI-613, is a racemic mixture of the enantiomers of a synthetic alpha-lipoic lipoic acid analogue with potential chemopreventive and antineoplastic activities. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, alpha-lipoic acid analogue CPI-613 has been shown to inhibit metabolic and regulatory processes required for cell growth in solid tumors. Both enantiomers in the racemic mixture exhibit antineoplastic activity. The mechanism-of-action of CPI-613 appears distinct from the current classes of anti-cancer agents used in the clinic. CPI-613 demonstrates both in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity. CPI-613 was known to strongly disrupt tumor mitochondrial metabolism.

[1]. Zachar Z, Marecek J, Maturo C et al. Non-redox-active lipoate derivates disrupt cancer cell mitochondrial metabolism and are potent anticancer agents in vivo. J Mol Med (Berl). 2011 Nov;89(11):1137-48.

[2]. Lee KC, Shorr R, Rodriguez R et al. Formation and anti-tumor activity of uncommon in vitro and in vivo metabolites of CPI-613, a novel anti-tumor compound that selectively alters tumor energy metabolism. Drug Metab Lett. 2011 Aug;5(3):163-82.