Datelliptium is a DNA-intercalating agent, an analog of a natural alkaloid ellipticine. The compound was active in vivo against a variety of murine solid tumors. In a phase I clinical trial no objective complete or partial responses were observed in patients with solid tumors or lymphoma treated with datelliptium.

Rodorubicin (Cytorhodin S, HLB 817) is a synthetic tetraglycosidic anthracycline antibiotic with antineoplastic activity. Rodorubicin is thought to intercalate DNA and cause cell death. Compared to standard anthracyclines, this compound has an atypical spectrum of activity and toxicity. Rodorubucin was the first drug that was being developed clinically despite its inactivity in animal transplantation tumor systems (it was detected in a human tumor-based screening system). Delayed nephrotoxicity is the dose-limiting factor for this drug, namely proteinuria and clearance reduction. Because of the severe side effects, rodobubicin was never marketed.

Amonafide L-malate (AS1413, Xanafide) is a DNA intercalator and topoisomerase II inhibitor that induces apoptosis by disrupting chromatin organisation independently of ATP. This is different from classical topoisomerase II inhibitors which induce apoptosis by causing extensive DNA damage. Amonafide L-malate is also able to evade P-glycoprotein and related transporters that contribute to multi-drug resistance. AS1413 had orphan drug status in both the U.S. and the E.U. for the treatment of AML and also received Fast Track status from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of secondary AML. Amonafide L-malate was originated by Xanthus Pharmaceuticals. It was added to Antisoma's pipeline through the acquisition of Xanthus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in June 2008. Antisoma discontinued development of Amonafide L-malate after data from the open-label, international Phase III ACCEDE trial in over 420 patients showed that 600 mg/m 2 IV amonafide for 5 days plus cytarabine missed the primary endpoint of significantly improving initial remission rate, defined as the proportion of patients who achieve CR or CRi, vs. daunorubicin plus cytarabine.