Background: Oxidative signaling to modulate redox-sensitive cell functions is a heretofore unexploited approach to developing new drugs for poorly treated oncology indications, where current therapies are often only palliative and accompanied by severe toxicities.
Objective: Clinical and non-clinical findings with NOV-002 (a mimetic of glutathione disulfide that represents such an approach) are reviewed and evaluated.
Methods: Published data on NOV-002 along with unpublished information from the drug's sponsor were reviewed. Literature analysis also focused on protein S-glutathionylation as a regulatory mechanism, particularly in relation to cell signaling, proliferation and cytoskeletal architecture.
Results/conclusion: NOV-002 is a mechanistically novel agent with potential for ameliorating hematologic toxicity and enhancing efficacy when used in combination with standard chemotherapy to treat cancer patients.