Zilascorb (2H) is a deuterated derivative of benzylidene ascorbate. Its mechanism of action is reversible protein synthesis inhibition, and it was observed experimentally that deuterated compound is more effective than a non-deuterated form of a drug. Zilascorb(2H) has shown antitumor activity against human malignant melanoma grown as xenografts in nude mice. The effect was manifest only after prolonged daily treatment and was quickly reversible when treatment was stopped. Anticancer activity of zilascorb(2H) was assessed in clinical trials. The drug demonstrated efficacy both when administered as an intravenous infusion, and when administered in oral form. Development of zilascorb was discontinued in the late 1990s.