US Patent 7268162 Aloe-emodin derivatives and their use in the treatment of neoplasias

The invention relates to aloe-emodin (AE) derivatives and their use as anticancer drugs. Saids derivatives show a specific cytotoxicity to tumour cells, also of neuroectodermal origin, to which they may in particular act as aloe-emodin prodrugs. Said pharamcological profile makes them particularly suitable for use in the treatment of neoplasias. Thereofore, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compound may be usefully used in the treatment of neoplasias. It has surprisingly been found that aloe-emodin derivatives in position 3′ (bearing either a positive or negaive charge) exhibit improved sollubility properties and, at the same time, in vitro show cytotoxicity to tumour cells, also of neuroectodermal origin.