Metabolites of Vinca Alkaloid Vinblastine: Tubulin Binding and Activation of Nausea-Associated Receptors

Abstract

values. Metabolite 10 has a more acceptable pharmacokinetic profile than VLB, a better gastric and intestinal solubility. Furthermore, metabolite 10 was found to be less bound to plasma proteins than VLB. These are desired and essential features for effective drug bioavailability. Metabolite 10 is not a substrate of CYP2D6 and thus is less likely to cause drug-drug interactions and ADRs compared to its parent drug. The hydroxyl group added upon metabolism of VLB suggests that it can also be a reasonable starting compound for designing the next generation of antimitotic drugs to overcome P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance, which is often observed with vinca alkaloids.