Epirubicin · Ellence

What is Epirubicin?

Epirubicin is an anthracycline cytotoxic agent that intercalates into DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, triggering DNA cleavage and blocking DNA replication, transcription, and protein synthesis. It also generates cytotoxic free radicals. Epirubicin is used as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer with axillary node involvement and is studied in HER2-positive breast cancer.

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

At a glance

Also known as

Ellence

Drug type

Small molecule

Targets

DNA, topoisomerase II

Mechanism

Cytotoxic, directed at DNA and topoisomerase II

Pathways

DNA replication, RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, free radical generation

Therapy area

Oncology

Developer

Pfizer Inc

In trials of

PBH

FDA status

Approved as Ellence (September 15, 1999), NDA050778 · FDA label

✅ FDA-approved uses

• Adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer

From the indications section of the FDA label (version of Jul 24, 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

HER2 Positive Breast Cancer

Sources

• FDA label (DailyMed)
• FDA label Ellence (2026-07-24), indications
• NCI Thesaurus
• ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03013504

Updated Oct 3, 2026.