Deforolimus

Deforolimus (also known as AP23573 and MK-8669) is an immunosupressant currently undergoing research for the treatment of certain cancers. It is a small-molecule inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Blocking mTOR creates a starvation-like effect in cancer cells by interfering with cell growth, division, metabolism, and angiogenesis.

Deforolimus is being co-developed by Merck and ARIAD Pharmaceuticals. As of 2008, a phase III clinical trial of deforolimus in metastatic soft-tissue and bone sarcomas responsive to chemotherapy, SUCCEED (Sarcoma Multi-Center Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy of Deforolimus), is recruiting patients.