Seliciclib, a cell-cycle modulator that acts through the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases

Seliciclib is an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 2, 7 and 9. Its primary mechanism of action is the inhibition of transcription, resulting in the selective downregulation of rapidly cycling mRNA transcripts, including Mcl-1 and cyclin D1. It possesses antitumour activity as a single agent and also synergises with a wide range of cytotoxic and targeted drugs. Seliciclib has high oral bioavailability and is in clinical development in a capsule formulation. The clinical dose has been determined in Phase I clinical trials for schedules of 3 - 10 consecutive days per cycle of 2 or 3 weeks duration. Its major clinical toxicities include nausea, vomiting, asthenia, hypokalaemia, elevation of creatinine levels and liver function tests, which are reversible after cessation of dosing. Seliciclib is non-myelosuppressive and does not cause intestinal toxicity. Phase 11 trials have commenced in non-small cell lung cancer and will be initiated shortly in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.