Volasertib (also known as BI 6727) is an experimental small molecule inhibitor of the PLK1 (polo-like kinase 1) protein being developed by Boehringer Ingelheim for use as an anti-cancer agent.

[3] Volasertib is a novel small-molecule targeted therapy that blocks cell division by competitively binding to the ATP-binding pocket of the PLK1 protein.

Raised levels of the PLK1 protein are also found in many cancers including; breast, non-small cell lung, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, papillary thyroid, ovarian, head and neck and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

[5][6][7][8][9][10] Raised levels of PLK1 increase the probability of improper segregation of chromosomes which is a critical stage in the development of many cancers.

[17] Common side effects as seen with other antimitotic agents such as vinca alkaloids and taxanes which include neuropathy, have not been observed with volasertib.

[15] This suggests that volasertib may be effective when used as a second line treatment in patients who have developed resistance to vinca alkaloid and taxane chemotherapeutics.