Capecitabine · Xeloda, NSC-759853

What is Capecitabine?

Capecitabine is an oral nucleoside metabolic inhibitor that is converted in the body to fluorouracil. Its metabolites inhibit thymidylate synthase, blocking thymidine production needed for DNA synthesis, and are incorporated into RNA, interfering with RNA processing and protein synthesis. It is used in cancers of the colon and rectum, breast, stomach, esophagus and pancreas, and is being studied in oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Summary written with AI from the sources listed at the end of this page.

At a glance

Also known as

Xeloda, NSC-759853, RO-09-1978000, capcitabine

Drug type

Small molecule

Targets

thymidylate synthase (TYMS)

Mechanism

Antagonist of thymidylate synthase (TYMS)

Pathways

DNA synthesis (thymidylate production), RNA processing and protein synthesis (FUTP misincorporation)

Therapy area

Oncology

Developer

Cheplapharm

In trials of

CRBP

FDA status

Approved as Xeloda (April 30, 1998), NDA020896 · FDA label

UNII

6804DJ8Z9U

✅ FDA-approved uses

• Colorectal Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Gastric, Esophageal, or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer

From the indications section of the FDA label (version of Feb 5, 2026). Read the full label for the exact wording, limitations and safety information.

🧪 Clinical trials

Trials of the companies BioRadar tracks, from ClinicalTrials.gov, most advanced phase first.

Conditions studied

Oropharyngeal Carcinoma (OPC)

Other drugs acting on TYMS

Sources

• FDA label (DailyMed)
• FDA label Xeloda (2026-02-05), indications
• ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07768189

Updated Oct 11, 2026.