Overview

Teniposide is a semisynthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin that exhibits antitumor activity. Teniposide inhibits DNA synthesis by forming a complex with topoisomerase II and DNA. This complex induces breaks in double stranded DNA and prevents repair by topoisomerase II binding. Accumulated breaks in DNA prevent cells from entering into the mitotic phase of the cell cycle, and lead to cell death. Teniposide acts primarily in the G2 and S phases of the cycle.

Indication

Teniposide is used for the treatment of refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Associated Conditions

Refractory Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Acute, Childhood

Research Report

Published: Oct 17, 2025

Comprehensive Monograph on Teniposide (VM-26, Vumon)

Part 1: Foundational Profile and Pharmacology

1.1. Overview and Identification

Teniposide is a semi-synthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin, a naturally occurring lignan. It is classified as an antineoplastic agent and functions as a specific inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase II.[1] In the United States, its primary and sole approved indication is for induction therapy in combination with other anticancer agents for refractory childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).[4] Its application is broader in Europe, where it is also approved for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma, various primary brain tumors, neuroblastoma, and other pediatric malignancies.[7]

The compound is identified by several names and codes, including its chemical name, the code name VM-26, and the trade names Vumon® and Vehem®.[6] A comprehensive summary of its identifiers and chemical properties is provided in Table 1.

Table 1: Drug Identification and Chemical Properties of Teniposide

Property	Value	Source(s)
DrugBank ID	DB00444	4
Type	Small Molecule	4
CAS Number	29767-20-2	6
IUPAC Name	(5S,5aR,8aR,9R)-5-dioxin-6-yl]oxy]-9-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-5a,6,8a,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzofuro[6,5-f]benzodioxol-8-one	3
Molecular Formula	$C_{32}H_{32}O_{13}S$	6
Molecular Weight	656.65 - 656.7 g/mol	6
InChIKey	NRUKOCRGYNPUPR-QBPJDGROSA-N	6
Canonical SMILES	COC1=CC(=CC(=C1O)OC)[C@H]2[C@@H]3C@HO[C@H]6O
Synonyms/Codes	VM-26, Vumon, Vehem, NSC 122819, EPT, PTG

1.2. Chemical Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties

Continue reading the full research report

Clinical Trials

Title	Posted	Study ID	Phase	Status	Sponsor
Orelabrutinib Combined With Teniposide, Rituximab and Methotrexate for Newly Diagnosed PCNSL	2025/09/22	NCT07185373	Not Applicable	Not yet recruiting	Huashan Hospital
Teniposide Incorporating Bu/Cy Conditioning Regimen for HLH With Central Nervous System Involvemen	2023/09/21	NCT06048107	Not Applicable	Recruiting	Beijing Friendship Hospital
Therapy for Pediatric Relapsed or Refractory Precursor B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Lymphoma	2012/10/04	NCT01700946	Phase 2	Completed	St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Treatment of High Risk Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia	2009/02/27	NCT00853008	Phase 4	Completed	PETHEMA Foundation
Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Young Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia	2006/06/23	NCT00343369	Not Applicable	UNKNOWN	Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
German Multicenter Trial for Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adults (07/2003)	2005/09/20	NCT00198991	Phase 4	Completed	Goethe University
Trial for Treatment of Adult Patients With Standard Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With Chemotherapy and Rituximab	2005/09/20	NCT00199004	Phase 4	Completed	Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital
Treatment of Elderly Patients (>65 Years) With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia	2005/09/20	NCT00199095	Phase 4	Completed	Goethe University
German Multicenter Trial for Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adults (06/99)	2005/09/20	NCT00199056	Phase 4	Completed	Goethe University
German Multicenter Trial for Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adults (05/93)	2005/09/20	NCT00199069	Phase 4	Completed	Goethe University

FDA Drug Approvals

Approved Product	Manufacturer	NDC Code	Route	Strength	Effective Date
No FDA approvals found for this drug.

EMA Drug Approvals

Approved Product	Authorization Holder	Status	Issued Date
No EMA approvals found for this drug.

HSA Drug Approvals

Approved Product	Manufacturer	Approval Number	Dosage Form	Strength	Approval Date
No HSA approvals found for this drug.

NMPA Drug Approvals

Approved Product	Company	Approval Number	Drug Type	Dosage Form	Approval Date
No NMPA approvals found for this drug.

PPB Drug Approvals

Approved Product	Registration No.	Company	Licence No.	Strength	Registration Date
No PPB approvals found for this drug.

TGA Drug Approvals

Approved Product	ARTG ID	Sponsor	Registration Type	Status	Registration Date
No TGA approvals found for this drug.

Health Canada Drug Approvals

Approved Product	Company	DIN	Dosage Form	Strength	Market Date
VUMON	bristol-myers squibb canada	00588989	Liquid - Intravenous	10 MG / ML	12/31/1984

CIMA AEMPS Drug Approvals

Approved Product	Company	Registration Number	Pharmaceutical Form	Prescription Type	Status
No CIMA AEMPS (Spain) approvals found for this drug.

Philippines FDA Drug Approvals

Approved Product	Company	License Number	Dosage Form	Strength	Approval Date
No Philippines FDA approvals found for this drug.

Saudi SFDA Drug Approvals

Approved Product	Company	License Number	Dosage Form	Strength	Approval Date
No Saudi SFDA approvals found for this drug.

Malaysia NPRA Drug Approvals

Approved Product	Company	Registration Number	Dosage Form	Strength	Approval Date
No Malaysia NPRA approvals found for this drug.

UK EMC Drug Information

Medicine Name	MA Holder	MA Number	Pharmaceutical Form	Active Ingredient	Authorization Date
No UK EMC drug information found for this drug.

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