ZX-29 is a potent and selective inhibitor of ALK(IC50 of 2.1 nM, 1.3 nM and 3.9 nM for ALK, ALK L1196M and ALK G1202R mutations, respectively), and also induces protective autophagy and has antitumor effect.

ZX-29 dose-dependently inhibits colony formation of NCI-H2228 cells. With an increase in ZX-29 concentration, the cell density decreased gradually, and the cells lost their normal morphology and become sharp and slender. In NCI-H2228 cells, ZX-29 (10 nM; 0-48 hours) inhibits the proliferation of and arrests the cells in G1 phase. ZX-29 (0-81 nM; 24-72 hours) treatment resulted in a decrease in the viability with time and dose. ZX-29 (10 nM; 24 hours) treatment causes typical signs of autophagy and the formation of autophagosomes and enhances the expression level of LC3 and Beclin1. ZX-29 (20 nM; 0-48 hours) treatment significantly increases the mRNA level of CHOP[1].

In a mouse xenograft model, ZX-29 treatment suppresses tumor growth[1].