Bz 423 is a potent immunomodulator that induces apoptosis by activating Bax and Bak to induce mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and cytochrome c release.Bz 423 shows partial activity in a mouse model of lupus.

Bz-423 triggers the activation of Bax and Bak without concurrently activating ASK1/JNK in Ramos cells[2]. The induction of apoptosis by Bz-423 in Ramos cells relies on superoxide, and it elicits a heightened superoxide response in these cells, resulting in the swift demise of Ramos B cells. In MEFs, Bz-423 rapidly elevates superoxide levels within 1 hour, with the extent of the increase depending on the concentration. In Ramos cells, Bz-423-induced superoxide generation instigates the activation of Bax and Bak, mediated by alterations in Mcl-1 expression and the functional activation of BH3-only proteins[1].