Terfenadine (Synonyms: MDL 9918, NSC 665802, (±)-Terfenadine, DL-Terfenadine)

Terfenadine ((±)-Terfenadine) is a potent open-channel blocker of hERG with an IC50 of 204 nM[1]. Terfenadine, an H1 histamine receptor antagonist, acts as a potent apoptosis inducer in melanoma cells through modulation of Ca2+ homeostasis. Terfenadine induces ROS-dependent apoptosis, simultaneously activates Caspase-4, -2, -9[2].

Terfenadine ((±)-Terfenadine) (4-20 μM; 24 hours) induces dose and time-dependent apoptosis on A375 melanoma cells. The IC50 after 24 h of TEF treatment in complete medium was 10.4 μM for A375 cells, 9.9 μM for Hs294T cells and 9.6 for HT144 cells[2]. Terfenadine (2-10 μM; 8 hours) induces dose-dependent cytotoxicity[2]. Terfenadine (10 μM; 8 hours) causes a massive vacuolization of the cytoplasm and autophagic vacuoles of both double and multiple membranes and at various stages. Terfenadine induces autophagy by ROS-dependent and -independent mechanisms[2].

Terfenadine (p.o.; 40 mg/kg; for 16 days) produces a significant inhibition of tumour growth rate and enhances the anti-cancer effect of EPI in chemo-resistant NSCLC xenograft models[3].

References:
[1]. Kamiya K, et al. Molecular determinants of hERG channel block by terfenadine and cisapride. J Pharmacol Sci. 2008 Nov;108(3):301-307.
[2]. Nicolau-Galmés F, et al. Terfenadine induces apoptosis and autophagy in melanoma cells through ROS-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Apoptosis. 2011 Dec;16(12):1253-67.
[3]. An L, et al. Terfenadine combined with epirubicin impedes the chemo-resistant human non-small cell lung cancer both in vitro and in vivo through EMT and Notch reversal. Pharmacol Res. 2017 Oct;124:105-115.