Etomoxir sodium salt ((R)-Etomoxir sodium salt) is a carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT-1a) inhibitor that blocks fatty acid synthesis. Etomoxir sodium salt has antitumor activity.

METHODS: BCa cell lines UM-UC-3 and T24 were treated with Etomoxir sodium salt (20-200 μM) for 24-72 h. Cell viability was examined using MTT.
RESULTS: Etomoxir inhibited the viability of UM-UC-3 and T24 cells in a dose-dependent manner. [1]
METHODS: Human breast cancer cells MCF-7 and T47D were treated with Etomoxir sodium salt (0.1-50 μM) for 24 h. Cellular FAO activity was measured by 3H palmitic acid.
RESULTS: Low micromolar concentrations of Etomoxir were sufficient to achieve maximal inhibition of FAO in MCF-7 and T47D cells. [2]

METHODS: To test the antitumor activity in vivo, Etomoxir sodium salt (40 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into BALB/c nude mice carrying human bladder cancer tumor T24 every two days for twenty days.
RESULTS: Etomoxir significantly inhibited tumor growth. [1]
METHODS: To test the activity against multiple sclerosis, Etomoxir sodium salt (15 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into a C57BL/6J mouse model of EAE induction once a week or every two days for two weeks.
RESULTS: Etomoxir-treated mice showed reduced disease severity as well as reduced inflammation and demyelination. Disruption of fatty acid metabolism promotes downregulation of CNS inflammation and this metabolic pathway is a potential therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis. [3]