AV-153, a 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) derivative, is an antimutagenic. AV-153 intercalates to DNA in a single strand break and reduces DNA damage, stimulates DNA repair in human cells in vitro. AV-153 interacts with thymine and cytosine and has an influence on poly(ADP)ribosylation. AV-153 has anti-cancer activity.