The primary mechanism of action of CMLD012612 is dependent on eIF4A1 since eIF4A1em1jp cells are at least 10-fold more resistant than parental NIH/3T3 cells. The sensitivity of eIF4A1em1jp cells to CMLD012612 observed at higher concentrations may be due to the presence of wild-type eIF4A2 in the cells.

When administered to mice bearing myr-Akt/Em-Myc lymphomas, CMLD012612 (0.2 mg/kg; i.p.; daily; for 5 days; female C57BL/6 mice) treatment effectively synergizes with Doxorubicin, leading to complete tumor loss. CMLD012612 (0.5 mg/kg; i.p.; for 3 hours; female C57BL/6 mice) treatment effectively suppresses liver polysomes 3 hours after injection.