Scientists streamline synthesis of potential cancer drug

A team of scientists has simplified the design and manufacture of a potent anti-tumor antibiotic known as uncialamycin. Uncialamycin is an enediyne, compounds defined by the presence of nine- and 10-member atomic rings in their structures. Two other enediynes, neocarzinostatin and calicheamicin, are or have been used as chemotherapy agents to treat leukemia and cancers of the liver and the brain.