2. Apoptosis Autophagy
  3. Caspase Apoptosis Autophagy Necroptosis
  4. Z-VAD

Z-VAD is an irreversible, broad-spectrum pan-caspase inhibitor that can inhibit a variety of caspases including caspase-3, -6, -7, -8, -9, etc. (with a weaker inhibitory effect on caspase-2). Z-VAD can block apoptosis signaling pathways, induce autophagy and necrosis in tumor cells, and has anti-angiogenic activity. Z-VAD can enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer and lung cancer cells to radiotherapy in vitro and in vivo, and prolong the growth delay of tumor xenograft models. Z-VAD is well tolerated and is mainly used in research related to cancer radiosensitization and cell death pathway regulation.

For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

Custom Peptide Synthesis

CAS No. : 162852-62-2

Size Price Stock Quantity
Solid + Solvent (Highly Recommended)
10 mM * 1 mL in DMSO
ready for reconstitution
 In-stock
Solution
10 mM * 1 mL in DMSO In-stock
Solid
5 mg In-stock
10 mg In-stock
25 mg In-stock
50 mg In-stock
100 mg   Get quote  
200 mg   Get quote  

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Customer Review

Based on 19 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Z-VAD Related Antibodies

Top Publications Citing Use of Products

    Z-VAD purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Fish Shellfish Immunol. 2025 May 13:163:110416.  [Abstract]

    Relative SDDV expression levels in MFF-1 cells after treatment with Z-VAD (20-50 μM; 4 h), followed by SDDV infection.

    Z-VAD purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Exp Eye Res. 2025 Sep 22:261:110656.  [Abstract]

    Z-VAD (50 μM; 48 h) partially attenuated the reduction in viability of HRCECs after HG stimulation.

    Z-VAD purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Vet Microbiol. 2025 Oct 20:311:110776.  [Abstract]

    The caspase inhibitor Z-VAD (40 μM) specifically blocked the downregulation of CD97 in MDBK and HeLa cells by sanguinarine.

    Z-VAD purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Vet Microbiol. 2025 Oct 20:311:110776.  [Abstract]

    Z-VAD (40 μM) abolished the inhibition of BPIV3 replication in MDBK cells by sanguinarine.

    View All Caspase Isoform Specific Products:

    View All Isoforms
    Caspase 1 Caspase 2 Caspase 3 Caspase 4 Caspase 5 Caspase 6 Caspase 7 Caspase 8 Caspase 9 Caspase 10 Caspase 12 Caspase Caspase 11 Caspase-13

    • Biological Activity

    • Purity & Documentation

    • References

    • Customer Review

    Description

    Z-VAD is an irreversible, broad-spectrum pan-caspase inhibitor that can inhibit a variety of caspases including caspase-3, -6, -7, -8, -9, etc. (with a weaker inhibitory effect on caspase-2). Z-VAD can block apoptosis signaling pathways, induce autophagy and necrosis in tumor cells, and has anti-angiogenic activity. Z-VAD can enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer and lung cancer cells to radiotherapy in vitro and in vivo, and prolong the growth delay of tumor xenograft models. Z-VAD is well tolerated and is mainly used in research related to cancer radiosensitization and cell death pathway regulation[1].

    IC50 & Target

    Caspase 3

     

    Caspase-6

     

    Caspase-7

     

    Caspase-8

     

    Caspase-9

     

    In Vitro

    Z-VAD (50 μM; 24 h) enhances the sensitivity of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and H460 lung cancer cells to ionizing radiation[1].
    Z-VAD (50 μM; 24h, 48h) combined with radiotherapy induces increasing autophagosome formation in breast cancer and lung cancer cells and upregulated the expression of autophagy-related proteins such as ATG5-ATG12 complex and Beclin-1[1].
    Z-VAD (50 μM) combined with radiotherapy significantly reduces the formation of capillary-like tube structures in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)[1].

    MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

    Z-VAD Related Antibodies

    Cell Viability Assay[1]

    Cell Line: MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), H460 (lung cancer)
    Concentration: 50 μM
    Incubation Time: 24 h; followed by irradiation (0-6 Gy)
    Result: Significantly reduced the surviving fraction of both cell lines, with a dose enhancement ratio (DER) of 1.31, indicating increased radiosensitivity compared to radiation alone.

    Western Blot Analysis[1]

    Cell Line: MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), H460 (lung cancer)
    Concentration: 50 μM
    Incubation Time: 24 h (GFP-LC3 imaging), 24 h/48 h (Western blotting); combined with 5 Gy radiation
    Result: Significantly increased punctate autophagosome formation, compared to single treatments.
    Upregulated the expression of ATG5-ATG12 complex and Beclin-1 proteins at 24 h and 48 h after combined treatment, indicating induction of autophagy-related pathways.

    Cell Migration Assay [1]

    Cell Line: HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells)
    Concentration: 50 μM
    Incubation Time: Pre-treatment for 24 h before seeding on Matrigel
    Result: Significantly decreased the number of capillary-like tubules formed by HUVECs on Matrigel, with an average reduction from 47.66 (control) to 6.0 tubules per microscopic field, demonstrating anti-angiogenic effects.
    In Vivo

    Z-VAD (5 mg/kg; intraperitoneal injection; three times a week; 4 weeks) significantly inhibits tumor growth in nude mouse MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and H460 lung cancer xenograft tumor models when combined with radiotherapy and was well tolerated[1].

    MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

    Animal Model: Female BALB/c nude mice (6-8 weeks old, 18-22 g) bearing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer or H460 lung cancer xenograft tumors[1]
    Dosage: 5 mg/kg
    Administration: Intraperitoneal injection, three times a week, for 4 weeks
    Result: Treatment with 5 mg/kg Z-VAD via intraperitoneal injection three times a week for 4 weeks, combined with radiotherapy, significantly reduced the tumor volume in both MDA-MB-231 and H460 xenograft models compared to radiotherapy alone.
    The mice showed no significant signs of toxicity or adverse effects, indicating good tolerance to the treatment.
    Molecular Weight

    437.44

    Formula

    C20H27N3O8
    CAS No.
    Appearance

    Solid

    Color

    White to off-white

    Sequence

    Z-Val-Ala-Asp
    Sequence Shortening

    Z-VAD
    Shipping

    Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
    Storage

    Sealed storage, away from moisture

    Powder -80°C 2 years
    -20°C 1 year

    *In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture)

    Solvent & Solubility
    In Vitro: 

    DMSO : 50 mg/mL (114.30 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

    Preparing
    Stock Solutions
    Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg
    1 mM 2.2860 mL 11.4301 mL 22.8603 mL
    5 mM 0.4572 mL 2.2860 mL 4.5721 mL
    View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    • Molarity Calculator

    • Dilution Calculator

    Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

    Mass
    =
    Concentration
    ×
    Volume
    ×
    Molecular Weight *

    Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)

    This equation is commonly abbreviated as: C1V1 = C2V2

    Concentration (start)

    C1

    ×
    Volume (start)

    V1

    =
    Concentration (final)

    C2

    ×
    Volume (final)

    V2

    In Vivo:

    Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

    For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
    To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for in vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
    The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

    • Protocol 1

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% DMSO    40% PEG300    5% Tween-80    45% Saline

      Solubility: ≥ 5 mg/mL (11.43 mM); Clear solution

      This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (50.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.

      Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
    • Protocol 2

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% DMSO    90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)

      Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (5.72 mM); Clear solution

      This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.

      Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.
    In Vivo Dissolution Calculator
    Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

    Dosage

    mg/kg

    Animal weight
    (per animal)

    g

    Dosing volume
    (per animal)

    μL

    Number of animals

    Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
    Please enter your animal formula composition:
    %
    DMSO +
    % 
    +
    %
    Tween-80 +
    %
    Saline
    Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
    The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Calculation results:
    Working solution concentration: mg/mL
    Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL  DMSO (Stock solution concentration: mg/mL).

    *In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture)

    The concentration of the stock solution you require exceeds the measured solubility. The following solution is for reference only. If necessary, please contact MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Method for preparing in vivo working solution for animal experiments: Take μL DMSO stock solution, add μL . μL , mix evenly, next add μL Tween 80, mix evenly, then add μL Saline.
     If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.
    Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.
    Purity & Documentation

    Purity: 99.93%

    SDS (252 KB)

    COA (246 KB) RP-HPLC (250 KB) MS (198 KB)

    Handling Instructions (2659 KB)
    References

    Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    Optional Solvent Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg 25 mg
    DMSO 1 mM 2.2860 mL 11.4301 mL 22.8603 mL 57.1507 mL
    5 mM 0.4572 mL 2.2860 mL 4.5721 mL 11.4301 mL
    10 mM 0.2286 mL 1.1430 mL 2.2860 mL 5.7151 mL
    15 mM 0.1524 mL 0.7620 mL 1.5240 mL 3.8100 mL
    20 mM 0.1143 mL 0.5715 mL 1.1430 mL 2.8575 mL
    25 mM 0.0914 mL 0.4572 mL 0.9144 mL 2.2860 mL
    30 mM 0.0762 mL 0.3810 mL 0.7620 mL 1.9050 mL
    40 mM 0.0572 mL 0.2858 mL 0.5715 mL 1.4288 mL
    50 mM 0.0457 mL 0.2286 mL 0.4572 mL 1.1430 mL
    60 mM 0.0381 mL 0.1905 mL 0.3810 mL 0.9525 mL
    80 mM 0.0286 mL 0.1429 mL 0.2858 mL 0.7144 mL
    100 mM 0.0229 mL 0.1143 mL 0.2286 mL 0.5715 mL
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    Z-VAD Related Classifications

    Help & FAQs
    • Do most proteins show cross-species activity?

      Species cross-reactivity must be investigated individually for each product. Many human cytokines will produce a nice response in mouse cell lines, and many mouse proteins will show activity on human cells. Other proteins may have a lower specific activity when used in the opposite species.

    Keywords:

    Z-VAD162852-62-2CaspaseApoptosisAutophagyNecroptosiscompetitiveirreversibleradiationMDA-MB-231H460antiangiogenicInhibitorinhibitorinhibit

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