Neovastat--a novel antiangiogenic drug for cancer therapy.

Neovastat (AE-941) is an antiangiogenic drug isolated from marine cartilage. It interferes with several steps associated with the development of angiogenesis through its ability to induce endothelial cell apoptosis, and to inhibit matrix metalloproteinase activities and vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated signaling pathways, suggesting that Neovastat behaves as a multifunctional antiangiogenic drug. Neovastat is orally bioavailable, and shows significant antitumor and antimetastatic properties in animal models.