Identification of novel TACE inhibitors compatible with topical application

Exploring crucial structural attributes of quinolinyl methoxyphenyl sulphonyl-based hydroxamate derivatives as ADAM17 inhibitors through classification-dependent molecular modelling approaches

A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), a Zn2+-dependent metalloenzyme of the adamalysin family of the metzincin superfamily, is associated with various pathophysiological conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. However, no specific inhibitors have been marketed yet for ADAM17-related disorders. In this study, 94 quinolinyl methoxyphenyl sulphonyl-based hydroxamates as ADAM17 inhibitors were subjected to classification-based molecular modelling and binding pattern analysis to identify the significant structural attributes contributing to ADAM17 inhibition. The statistically validated classification-based models identified the importance of the P1' substituents such as the quinolinyl methoxyphenyl sulphonyl group of these compounds for occupying the S1' - S3' pocket of the enzyme. The quinolinyl function of these compounds was found to explore stable binding of the P1' substituents at the S1' - S3' pocket whereas the importance of the sulphonyl and the orientation of the P1' moiety also revealed stable binding. Based on the outcomes of the current study, four novel compounds of different classes were designed as promising ADAM17 inhibitors. These findings regarding the crucial structural aspects and binding patterns of ADAM17 inhibitors will aid the design and discovery of novel and effective ADAM17 inhibitors for therapeutic advancements of related diseases.

Strategies to Target ADAM17 in Disease: From its Discovery to the iRhom Revolution

For decades, disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) has been the object of deep investigation. Since its discovery as the tumor necrosis factor convertase, it has been considered a major drug target, especially in the context of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Nevertheless, the development of drugs targeting ADAM17 has been harder than expected. This has generally been due to its multifunctionality, with over 80 different transmembrane proteins other than tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) being released by ADAM17, and its structural similarity to other metalloproteinases. This review provides an overview of the different roles of ADAM17 in disease and the effects of its ablation in a number of in vivo models of pathological conditions. Furthermore, here, we comprehensively encompass the approaches that have been developed to accomplish ADAM17 selective inhibition, from the newest non-zinc-binding ADAM17 synthetic inhibitors to the exploitation of iRhom2 to specifically target ADAM17 in immune cells.

Recent developments and strategies for the discovery of TACE inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

TNF-α plays a central role in certain autoimmune diseases as well as in inflammation. The current strategy for excluding TNF-α from circulation is to selectively inhibit TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE), an enzyme that cleaves mTNF-α to active TNF-α. Various TACE inhibitors have been discovered by using different strategies to control inflammatory diseases, cancer, and cardiac hypertrophy.

AREAS COVERED

The present article summarizes the design and discovery of novel TACE inhibitors that have been reported in the literature since 2012 onwards. It also includes some reports concerning the new role that TACE plays in cancer and cardiac hypertrophy.

EXPERT OPINION

So far, undertaken studies that have looked to design and develop small TACE inhibitors have been discouraging due to the failure of any TACE inhibitors to hit the market. However, some of the latest developments, such as with tartrate-based inhibitors, has given hope to the potentiality of a viable novel selective TACE inhibitor therapeutic in the future. Indeed, some of the novel peptidomimetics and monoclonal antibodies have great potential to pave the way for an effective and safe therapy by selectively inhibiting TACE enzyme.

Protein biomarker for psoriasis: A systematic review on their role in the pathomechanism, diagnosis, potential targets and treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is defined as a long-lasting multifactorial inflammatory autoimmune skin condition precisely characterized by delimited, erythematic papules with adherent shiny scales. The conditions are led by hyperproliferative responses of epidermis due to hyperactivation and immature keratinocytes production. The psoriatic skin consists of the thickened epidermal layer, in concurrence with inflammatory exudates in the dermis mainly of dendritic cells, neutrophils, T cells, and macrophages, contributing to the distinct manifestation of psoriatic lesions. It consents to multifaceted and discrete pathology due to the genetic and immunological alteration resulting from abnormal expression of various regulatory and structural proteins. These proteins are associated with various cellular and sub-cellular activities. Therefore, the presence of protein in a pathological cellular environment in the psoriatic lesions as well as in serum could be a great avenue for the insight of pathomechanism, anticipation and diagnosis of psoriasis. Research of protein biomarker in psoriasis is yet a developing realm to be explored by both fundamental and clinical researchers. This review is an attempt to assimilate the current discoveries and revelations of different proteins as a biomarker and their importance in pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and anticipation of both the inflammatory and other dermatological aspects of psoriasis.

Discovery and process development of a novel TACE inhibitor for the topical treatment of psoriasis

Targeting the TNFα pathway is a validated approach to the treatment of psoriasis. In this pathway, TACE stands out as a druggable target and has been the focus of in-house research programs. In this article, we present the discovery of clinical candidate 26a. Starting from hits plagued with poor solubility or genotoxicity, 26a was identified through thorough multiparameter optimisation. Showing robust in vivo activity in an oxazolone-mediated inflammation model, the compound was selected for development. Following a polymorph screen, the hydrochloride salt was selected and the synthesis was efficiently developed to yield the API in 47% overall yield.