Used in cancer research as an anthracycline antibiotic with antitumor activity. It functions by intercalating into DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II, leading to DNA damage and apoptosis in cancer cells. Studied for its potential in treating various malignancies, particularly leukemia and solid tumors. Due to structural similarity to daunorubicin, it serves as a metabolite and analog in pharmacokinetic and structure-activity relationship studies. Also investigated for reduced cardiotoxicity compared to other anthracyclines, making it a candidate for developing safer chemotherapy agents.