Alky-lysophospholipids (ALP) are synthetic analogues of
lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC), also called lysolecithins. They are synthesized by replacing the acyl-group within the LPC with an alkyl-group.
[1] They are in contrast to LPC metabolically very stable.
[1][2] They have anti-neoplastic (“anti-cancer”)
[1] and immune modulating effects.
[2] Their anti-tumor effects are due to modulation of intracellular signalling pathways, inducing
apoptosis.
[3] It is highly selective, sparing healthy cells.
[2] Several like
edelfosine,
miltefosine and
perifosine are under research and development as drugs against cancer and other diseases.