Alkyl-lysophospholipids
Alky-lysophospholipids (ALP) are synthetic analogues of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC), also called lysolecithins. They are synthesized by replacing the acyl-group within the LPC with an alkyl-group. They are in contrast to LPC metabolically very stable. They have anti-neoplastic (“anti-cancer”) and immune modulating effects. Their anti-tumor effects are due to modulation of intracellular signalling pathways, inducing apoptosis. It is highly selective, sparing healthy cells. Several like edelfosine, miltefosine and perifosine are under research and development as drugs against cancer and other diseases.