Idarubicin/ˌaɪdəˈruːbɪsɪn/ or 4-demethoxydaunorubicin is an anthracyclineantileukemic drug. It inserts[1] itself into DNA and prevents DNA unwinding by interfering with the enzyme topoisomerase II. It is an analog of daunorubicin, but the absence of a methoxy group increases its fat solubility and cellular uptake.[2]
Similar to other anthracyclines, it also induces histone eviction from chromatin.[3]