Q-VD-OPH is a broad spectrum caspase inhibitor, blocking caspases-3, -7, -8, -9, -10, and -12 and inhibiting apoptosis when used at 10 μM. It more effectively inhibits apoptosis and is much less cytotoxic than Z-VAD-FMK and BOC-D-FMK. Q-VD-OPH can be used in vivo, where it has been shown to prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced apoptosis. This compound, by broadly inhibiting caspases, also promotes the differentiation of leukemic blasts cells, suggesting an application in differentiation therapy of certain forms of cancer.
