Design, synthesis and evaluation of noscapine analogues as anti cancer drugs

This work investigated semi-synthesised novel noscapine analogues as potential anticancer agents targeting microtubules. Structural changes at the 1′, 3′, 4′, N6′, 6, and 7 positions of the noscapine core, based on computational modelling. Slightly improved activity was observed when benzodioxole was replaced with benzofuran. Moreover, previously unexplored subpockets were investigated, including a newly examined 6-position, which was targeted to enhance activity. Overall, the study reveals new structure–activity relationships and paves the way for noscapine to become a next-generation, low-toxicity microtubule inhibitor.