EC 23 is a photostable synthetic analog of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Retinoic Acid is vitamin A derivative that is an agonist for the retinoic acid receptors, which act as transcription factors that regulate the growth and differentiation of normal and malignant cells. It is reported to promote the differentiation of embryonic cells into motor neurons, pancreatic progenitors and cardiomyocytes.