This information is for educational purposes only. Off-label drug use carries risks. Always consult a qualified physician before using any drug outside its approved indication.
Niclosamide
Niclosamide
Brand names: Niclocide, Yomesan
ORIGINALLY APPROVED FOR
Tapeworm Infections
Niclosamide is emerging as one of the most multi-targeted anti-cancer drugs in the repurposing field. Unlike most drugs which hit one or two pathways, niclosamide simultaneously inhibits Wnt, Notch, STAT3, mTOR, NF-κB, and acts as an oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler — pathways that are often individually responsible for drug resistance, cancer stem cell maintenance, and metastasis. Its main challenge is poor oral bioavailability, which has driven development of nanoparticle formulations.
Molecular Pathways Targeted
Mechanism of Action in Cancer
Multi-pathway inhibition: disrupts Wnt/β-catenin signalling (cancer stem cells), inhibits Notch receptor processing (self-renewal), blocks STAT3 phosphorylation (immune evasion), inhibits mTORC1 (proliferation), uncouples mitochondrial proton gradient (OXPHOS disruption → energy depletion in cancer cells).
Cancers Studied
Typical Off-Label Dosing
Standard tapeworm dose is 2 g single dose (poorly absorbed orally, mostly acts in gut). Cancer protocols use nanoformulated or liposomal versions for systemic delivery, or topical formulations. Oral bioavailability is <1% — the critical limitation driving reformulation research.
* Dosing information from research literature only. Not a prescription. Requires physician supervision.
Cautions & Drug Interactions
- Very poor oral bioavailability limits systemic use — standard tablets unlikely to achieve therapeutic plasma levels
- Current evidence is predominantly preclinical for most cancer types
- Reformulated versions (nanoparticles, liposomes) are investigational
- GI side effects: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Limited human safety data at doses needed for systemic anti-cancer effect
- Do not substitute for proven cancer treatments