Hycanthone

Hycanthone is the schistosomicide approved by the FDA in 1975. It is a metabolite of lucanthone. Hycanthone interferes with parasite nerve function, resulting in paralysis and death. This agent also intercalates into DNA and inhibits RNA synthesis "in vitro" and shows potential antineoplastic activity.
Anti-schistosomal activity.
Hycanthone is shown to be an effective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from "Schistosoma mansoni", but is less potential against AChE from mammalian origin. This might come from differences in the configuration of active center between schistosome and mammalian AChE enzymes.
Hycanthone is shown to intercalates into DNA and inhibit RNA synthesis "in vitro". A growing body of evidence has shown that hycathone has an antineoplastic activity.