Microtubule destabilizing agent-2 (Compound 21) is an orally active and selective anticancer compound targeting microtubule proteins. It disrupts microtubule stability, inhibiting microtubule polymerization. This agent causes human tumor cells to arrest in the G0/G1 phase and induces apoptosis (Apoptosis) through activation of the Caspase cascade pathway. Additionally, it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in vitro. Microtubule destabilizing agent-2 also suppresses tumor growth in xenograft mice.

Microtubule destabilizing agent-2 (48 h) 对人白血病细胞K-562 显示出选择性抗增殖作用 (IC 50: 3.27 μM)，相较于 MCF-7 IC 50 为 82.46 μM 和 MDA-MB-231 IC 50 为 31.27 μM。

Microtubule destabilizing agent-2 (20-80 mg/kg，口服，28天) 在 K562 异种移植小鼠模型中表现出中低水平的抗癌活性。