The present invention relates to anthracycline derivatives that are based on an Aloe-emodin (AE) backbone attached to a glycoside (an amino sugar or amino carba-sugar). These derivatives are useful as chemotherapeutic agents. Advantageously, these derivatives are potent cytotoxic agents against a variety of anthracycline-resistant tumors. In addition, they may have reduced cardiotoxicity. As such, the novel compounds of the invention offer an advantage over currently available drugs. The present invention further relates to methods for preparing the novel Aloe-Emodin Glycoside (AEG) based derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds, and methods of using these compounds and compositions, especially as chemotherapeutic agents for prevention and treatment of cancers.
