Design, synthesis and anti-proliferative studies of a novel series of indirubin derivatives

A series of novel derivatives of indirubin were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-proliferative activity against human cancer cell lines of SGC7901, A549, HL-60, SK-BR-3 and HCT116. Most of the compounds displayed more potent activity than Sunitinib. In addition, the derivatives showed improved water solubility, which may be favorable to their pharmacokinetic performances.