DFMO

Chemical properties

Off-white powder

The Uses of DFMO

DL-α-Difluoromethylornithine hydrochloride hydrate has been used to reduce the effects of arginine on cell proliferation. It has also been used to investigate the effect of bisphenol A (BPA) on the migration of an established ovine trophectoderm (oTr1) cell line.

Indications

Eflornithine is indicated in the treatment of facial hirsutism (excessive hair growth).

Background

Eflornithine is a prescription drug indicated in the treatment of facial hirsutism (excessive hair growth). Eflornithine hydrochloride cream for topical application is intended for use in women suffering from facial hirsutism and is sold by Allergan, Inc. under the brand name Vaniqa. Eflornithine for injection against sleeping sickness was manufactured by Sanofi Aventis and sold under the brand name Ornidyl in the USA. It is now discontinued. Eflornithine is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

What are the applications of Application

Difluoromethylornithine is an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase

Definition

ChEBI: Eflornithine is a fluoroamino acid that is ornithine substituted by a difluoromethyl group at position 2. It has a role as a trypanocidal drug. It is a fluoroamino acid and an alpha-amino acid. It is functionally related to an ornithine.

General Description

Difluoromethylornithine is a?fluorinated ornithine analog, which acts as a rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis. It is used to treat female facial hirsutism and human African trypanosomiasis. Difluoromethylornithine functions as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent against neuroblastoma and colorectal cancer. It exhibits cytostatic?effects on mammalian cells and tissues.

Biological Activity

Inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase that inhibits polyamine biosynthesis. Displays antiapoptotic, antiangiogenic and antiparasitic activity.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Difluoromethylornithine (Eflornithine) inhibits polyamine biosynthesis by the selective, irreversible inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). A chemoprotective agent that blocks angiogenesis.

Metabolism

Not metabolized