A new synthetic analogue of thymidine, 7-(3-bromo-phenoxy)-thymidine, inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells

Modified thymidine analogues have been highlighted as useful agents for the treatment of cancer and viral diseases due to their potent biological activities. In the present study, we synthesized a new thymidine analogue, 7-(3-bromo-phenoxy)-thymidine (4a), as a potential lead for anti-tumor agent. Compound 4a potently inhibits HeLa cell proliferation with an IC50 of 15 μM.