Non-hydroxamate HDAC inhibitor (HDACi) (IC50: 32, 48 and 41nM for HDAC4, HDAC1 and HDAC6, respectively). Cell-permeable prodrug that is intracellularly converted to a potent HDAC inhibitor. Predicted to exhibit a similar HDAC binding mode as that of SAHA, interacting with the active-site zinc targeting group. Shown to exhibit comparable antiproliferative and apoptotic activity as SAHA against various cancer cell lines. Inhibits growth of various cancer cells in vitro (EC50 = 1.1 – 9.1mM). Also reactivates latent HIV-1 gene expression.