White to off-white solid. HYGROSCOPIC. Mixture of cytotoxic glycopeptides that inhibits DNA synthesis by reacting with DNA and causing strand scission. Acts by generating hydroxyl free radicals which cleave N-glycosidic bonds and cause base elimination (mainly T) and phosphodiester bond scission. An anti-neoplastic agent. Bleomycin has been used in the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas, testicular tumors, and malignant lymphomas. Biological activity: Potency: 1.5-2.0 U/mg. Purity: ≥90% by HPLC (A₂ + B₂). RTECS EC5991990, CAS 9041-93-4.

Merck Index: 14, 1318
Ref.: Tounekki, O., et al. 1994. Bull. Cancer 81, 1043. Chauvergne, J., et al. 1993. Bull. Cancer 80, 70. Ikeda, S., et al. 1991. Anal. Biochem. 192, 96. Hait, W.N., et al. 1990. Cancer Res. 50, 6636. Arkin, H., et al. 1989. Cancer Res. 49, 6556. Wu, J.C., et al. 1983. J. Biol. Chem. 258, 4694. Takita, T., et al. 1968. Antibiotics 21, 79.
R: 20/21/22-36/37/38-40-42/43; S: 22-26-36/37/39-45