Ph-Ph+ is a hemiprotonic compound derived from the dimerization of phenanthroline (ph), exhibiting notable antitumor, antibacterial, and antifungal properties [1].

Ph-Ph+ (0.0039-2 μmol/mL; 24-72 hours) selectively inhibits tumor cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner across several cell lines, including H22, U251MG, SH-SY5Y, B16, and A549, without affecting the viability of human L02 and [HUVEC] cells. Optical microscopy shows that Ph-Ph+ treatment causes tumor cells to shrink and form apoptotic bodies, indicating selective antitumor activity through apoptosis induction. Additionally, Ph-Ph+ exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal effects, effectively combating drug-resistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Tumor-bearing mice, created through subcutaneous transplantation of the mouse hepatoma H22 cell line, exhibited reduced tumor volume and weight following treatment with Ph-Ph+ (2-8 mg/kg; i.v; over 8 days) in a dose-dependent manner [1]. Additionally, in liver cancer animal models with concomitant fungal infection, Ph-Ph+ administration (2-8 mg/kg; i.v; daily for 9 days) not only inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma cells but also alleviated pneumonia and encephalitis induced by Cryptococcus neoformans [1].