A novel organoiridium(III) complex with a pyridine ligand is more potent than cisplatin. The high potency correlates with its ability to increase the level of ROS in cancer cells. The unprecedented ability of these iridium complexes to generate H2O2 by catalytic hydride transfer from the coenzyme NADH to oxygen is demonstrated. Such organoiridium complexes are promising as a new generation of anticancer drugs for effective oxidant therapy.
