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eflornithine
A difluoromethylated ornithine compound with antineoplastic activity. Eflornithine irreversibly inhibits ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme required for polyamine biosynthesis, thereby inhibiting the formation and proliferation of tumor cells. Polyamines are involved in nucleosome oligomerization and DNA conformation, creating a chromatin environment that stimulates neoplastic transformation of cells. This agent has been shown to induce apoptosis in leiomyoma cells. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)

Synonyms:2-difluoromethylornithine
alpha-difluoromethylornithine
difluromethylornithine
ornidyl
Abbreviation:DFMO
Code names:MDL 71782
RMI-71782
Chemical structure names:
  • 2-(difluoromethyl)-DL-ornithine
  • 2-(difluoromethyl)-dl-ornithine Hydrochloride, Monohydrate
  • D,L-alpha-difluoromethylornithine



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