Isobutyl-deoxynyboquinone (IB-DNQ) is a selective substrate for NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase [NQO1] and is utilized in anticancer research.

Isobutyl-deoxynyboquinone, at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 100 μM, shows increased cytotoxic effectiveness against the SCCF1 and SCCF2 cell lines, with reduced potency in SCCF3 cells. Additionally, when applied to SCCF1 cells at doses between 0.1 to 3 μM for 60 minutes, it demonstrates dose-dependent cytotoxicity[1].

Isobutyl-deoxynyboquinone, administered intravenously (i.v.) at dosages ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg/kg over a 20-hour period, successfully reaches average peak plasma concentrations in cats. Similarly, a dosage of 1 mg/kg administered orally (p.o.) attains peak plasma concentrations after 4 hours in the same animal model. Both administration routes and dosages were part of a pharmacokinetic analysis, indicating the compound's effective concentration levels in the blood following different methods of administration.