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Giacchello I, Cianciusi A, Bertagnin C, Bonomini A, Francesconi V, Mori M, Carbone A, Musumeci F, Loregian A, Schenone S. Exploring a New Generation of Pyrimidine and Pyridine Derivatives as Anti-Influenza Agents Targeting the Polymerase PA-PB1 Subunits Interaction. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:954. [PMID: 39065650 PMCID: PMC11279468 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The limited range of available flu treatments due to virus mutations and drug resistance have prompted the search for new therapies. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a heterotrimeric complex of three subunits, i.e., polymerase acidic protein (PA) and polymerase basic proteins 1 and 2 (PB1 and PB2). It is widely recognized as one of the most promising anti-flu targets because of its critical role in influenza infection and high amino acid conservation. In particular, the disruption of RdRp complex assembly through protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibition has emerged as a valuable strategy for discovering a new therapy. Our group previously identified the 3-cyano-4,6-diphenyl-pyridine core as a privileged scaffold for developing PA-PB1 PPI inhibitors. Encouraged by these findings, we synthesized a small library of pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives decorated with a thio-N-(m-tolyl)acetamide side chain (compounds 2a-n) or several amino acid groups (compounds 3a-n) at the C2 position. Interestingly, derivative 2d, characterized by a pyrimidine core and a phenyl and 4-chloro phenyl ring at the C4 and C6 positions, respectively, showed an IC50 value of 90.1 μM in PA-PB1 ELISA, an EC50 value of 2.8 μM in PRA, and a favorable cytotoxic profile, emerging as a significant breakthrough in the pursuit of new PPI inhibitors. A molecular modeling study was also completed as part of this project, allowing us to clarify the biological profile of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Giacchello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Annarita Cianciusi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (C.B.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Anna Bonomini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (C.B.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Valeria Francesconi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (C.B.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (I.G.); (A.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.)
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Desantis J, Bazzacco A, Eleuteri M, Tuci S, Bianconi E, Macchiarulo A, Mercorelli B, Loregian A, Goracci L. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of first-in-class indomethacin-based PROTACs degrading SARS-CoV-2 main protease and with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116202. [PMID: 38394929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
To date, Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology has been successfully applied to mediate proteasomal-induced degradation of several pharmaceutical targets mainly related to oncology, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. On the other hand, its exploitation in the field of antiviral drug discovery is still in its infancy. Recently, we described two indomethacin (INM)-based PROTACs displaying broad-spectrum antiviral activity against coronaviruses. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel series of INM-based PROTACs that recruit either Von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) or cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligases. The panel of INM-based PROTACs was also enlarged by varying the linker moiety. The antiviral activity resulted very susceptible to this modification, particularly for PROTACs hijacking VHL as E3 ligase, with one piperazine-based compound (PROTAC 6) showing potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in infected human lung cells. Interestingly, degradation assays in both uninfected and virus-infected cells with the most promising PROTACs emerged so far (PROTACs 5 and 6) demonstrated that INM-PROTACs do not degrade human PGES-2 protein, as initially hypothesized, but induce the concentration-dependent degradation of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) both in Mpro-transfected and in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. Importantly, thanks to the target degradation, INM-PROTACs exhibited a considerable enhancement in antiviral activity with respect to indomethacin, with EC50 values in the low-micromolar/nanomolar range. Finally, kinetic solubility as well as metabolic and chemical stability were measured for PROTACs 5 and 6. Altogether, the identification of INM-based PROTACs as the first class of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro degraders demonstrating activity also in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells represents a significant advance in the development of effective, broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Desantis
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Michela Eleuteri
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Tuci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elisa Bianconi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Laura Goracci
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Italy.
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Rosenberg N, Stolwijk NN, van den Berg S, Heus JJ, van der Wel V, van Gelder T, Bosch AM, de Visser SJ, Hollak CEM. Development of medicines for rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism: Toward novel public-private partnerships. J Inherit Metab Dis 2023; 46:806-816. [PMID: 36938792 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Medicine development for rare diseases, including inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) is challenging. Many academic innovations fail to reach the patient, either by stranding in the translational stage or due to suboptimal patient access related to pricing or uncertain effectiveness. Expanding and solidifying the role of the academic in public-private partnerships (PPPs) may present an innovative solution to help overcome these complexities. This narrative review explores the literature on traditional and novel collaborative approaches to medicine development for rare diseases and analyzes examples of PPPs, with a specific focus on IEMs. Several academic institutions have introduced guidelines for socially responsible licensing of innovations for private development. The PPP model offers a more integrative approach toward academic involvement of medicine development. By sharing risks and rewards, failures in the translational stage can be mutually absorbed. If socially responsible terms are not included, however, high pricing can impede patient access. Therefore, we propose a framework for socially responsible PPPs aimed at medicine development for metabolic disorders. This socially responsible PPP framework could stimulate successful and accessible medicine development for IEMs as well as other rare diseases if the establishment of such collaborations includes terms securing joint data ownership and evidence generation, fast access, and socially responsible pricing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Rosenberg
- Medicines for Society (Medicijn voor de Maatschappij), Platform at Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Research Institute, Expertise Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism, MetabERN, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nina N Stolwijk
- Medicines for Society (Medicijn voor de Maatschappij), Platform at Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Research Institute, Expertise Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism, MetabERN, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sibren van den Berg
- Medicines for Society (Medicijn voor de Maatschappij), Platform at Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Research Institute, Expertise Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism, MetabERN, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joris J Heus
- Innovation eXchange Amsterdam (IXA) Office Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent van der Wel
- Medicines for Society (Medicijn voor de Maatschappij), Platform at Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Orfenix B.V., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Teun van Gelder
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Toxicology, LUMC, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annet M Bosch
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saco J de Visser
- Medicines for Society (Medicijn voor de Maatschappij), Platform at Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Future Affordable & Sustainable Therapy development (FAST), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Carla E M Hollak
- Medicines for Society (Medicijn voor de Maatschappij), Platform at Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism (AGEM) Research Institute, Expertise Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism, MetabERN, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Messa L, Celegato M, Bertagnin C, Mercorelli B, Alvisi G, Banks L, Palù G, Loregian A. The Dimeric Form of HPV16 E6 Is Crucial to Drive YAP/TAZ Upregulation through the Targeting of hScrib. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164083. [PMID: 34439242 PMCID: PMC8393709 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Understanding the mechanisms of action of HPV oncoproteins is pivotal for the rationale development of anti-cancer drugs to treat HPV-related malignancies. The aim of the present study was to explore more in detail the mechanism of action of the HPV16 oncoprotein E6 that directly fosters the YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, a conserved cascade highly active in HPV-related cancers. We confirmed previous evidence about the importance of the PDZ-protein targeting in this process, highlighting here the importance of hScrib degradation, and discovered that the targeting of the Scribble module involves the dimeric form of HPV16 E6. The findings here presented extend our knowledge about the mechanism through which the oncoprotein E6 targets a PDZ-host factor to degradation in cancer cells. Abstract Human papillomavirus is the most common viral infectious agent responsible for cancer development in humans. High-risk strains are known to induce cancer through the expression of the viral oncogenes E6 and E7, yet we have only a partial understanding of the precise mechanisms of action of these viral proteins. Here we investigated the molecular mechanism through which the oncoprotein E6 alters the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway to trigger YAP/TAZ induction in cancer cells. By employing E6 overexpression systems combined with protein–protein interaction studies and loss-of-function approaches, we discovered that the E6-mediated targeting of hScrib, which supports YAP/TAZ upregulation, intimately requires E6 homodimerization. We show that the self-association of E6, previously reported only in vitro, takes place in the cytoplasm and, as a dimer, E6 targets the fraction of hScrib at the cell cortex for proteasomal degradation. Thus, E6 homodimerization emerges as an important event in the mechanism of E6-mediated hScrib targeting to sustain downstream YAP/TAZ upregulation, unraveling for the first time the key role of E6 homodimerization in the context of its transforming functions and thus paving the way for the possible development of E6 dimerization inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Messa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (L.M.); (M.C.); (C.B.); (B.M.); (G.A.); (G.P.)
| | - Marta Celegato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (L.M.); (M.C.); (C.B.); (B.M.); (G.A.); (G.P.)
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (L.M.); (M.C.); (C.B.); (B.M.); (G.A.); (G.P.)
| | - Beatrice Mercorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (L.M.); (M.C.); (C.B.); (B.M.); (G.A.); (G.P.)
| | - Gualtiero Alvisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (L.M.); (M.C.); (C.B.); (B.M.); (G.A.); (G.P.)
| | - Lawrence Banks
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (L.M.); (M.C.); (C.B.); (B.M.); (G.A.); (G.P.)
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (L.M.); (M.C.); (C.B.); (B.M.); (G.A.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8272363
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Emmerich CH, Gamboa LM, Hofmann MCJ, Bonin-Andresen M, Arbach O, Schendel P, Gerlach B, Hempel K, Bespalov A, Dirnagl U, Parnham MJ. Improving target assessment in biomedical research: the GOT-IT recommendations. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:64-81. [PMID: 33199880 PMCID: PMC7667479 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0087-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Academic research plays a key role in identifying new drug targets, including understanding target biology and links between targets and disease states. To lead to new drugs, however, research must progress from purely academic exploration to the initiation of efforts to identify and test a drug candidate in clinical trials, which are typically conducted by the biopharma industry. This transition can be facilitated by a timely focus on target assessment aspects such as target-related safety issues, druggability and assayability, as well as the potential for target modulation to achieve differentiation from established therapies. Here, we present recommendations from the GOT-IT working group, which have been designed to support academic scientists and funders of translational research in identifying and prioritizing target assessment activities and in defining a critical path to reach scientific goals as well as goals related to licensing, partnering with industry or initiating clinical development programmes. Based on sets of guiding questions for different areas of target assessment, the GOT-IT framework is intended to stimulate academic scientists' awareness of factors that make translational research more robust and efficient, and to facilitate academia-industry collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorena Martinez Gamboa
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- QUEST Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martine C J Hofmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine & Pharmacology TMP, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marc Bonin-Andresen
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olga Arbach
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- SPARK-Validation Fund, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pascal Schendel
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Katja Hempel
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Anton Bespalov
- PAASP GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ulrich Dirnagl
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- QUEST Center for Transforming Biomedical Research, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael J Parnham
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine & Pharmacology TMP, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry & Pharmacy, J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Hanna N, Kicka S, Chiriano G, Harrison C, Sakouhi HO, Trofimov V, Kranjc A, Nitschke J, Pagni M, Cosson P, Hilbi H, Scapozza L, Soldati T. Identification of Anti- Mycobacterium and Anti- Legionella Compounds With Potential Distinctive Structural Scaffolds From an HD-PBL Using Phenotypic Screens in Amoebae Host Models. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:266. [PMID: 32153546 PMCID: PMC7047896 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubercular Mycobacteria and Legionella pneumophila are the causative agents of potentially fatal respiratory diseases due to their intrinsic pathogenesis but also due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance that limits treatment options. The aim of our study was to explore the antimicrobial activity of a small ligand-based chemical library of 1255 structurally diverse compounds. These compounds were screened in a combination of three assays, two monitoring the intracellular growth of the pathogenic bacteria, Mycobacterium marinum and L. pneumophila, and one assessing virulence of M. marinum. We set up these assays using two amoeba strains, the genetically tractable social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum and the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii. In summary, 64 (5.1%) compounds showed anti-infective/anti-virulence activity in at least one of the three assays. The intracellular assays hit rate varied between 1.7% (n = 22) for M. marinum and 2.8% (n = 35) for L. pneumophila with seven compounds in common for both pathogens. In parallel, 1.2% (n = 15) of the tested compounds were able to restore D. discoideum growth in the presence of M. marinum spiked in a lawn of food bacteria. We also validated the generality of the hits identified in the A. castellanii–M. marinum anti-infective screen using the D. discoideum–M. marinum host–pathogen model. The characterization of anti-infective and antibacterial hits in the latter infection model revealed compounds able to reduce intracellular growth more than 50% at 30 μM. Moreover, the chemical space and physico-chemical properties of the anti-M. marinum hits were compared to standard and candidate Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) drugs using ChemGPS-NP. A principle component analysis identified separate clusters for anti-M. marinum and anti-L. pneumophila hits unveiling the potentially new physico-chemical properties of these hits compared to standard and candidate M. tuberculosis drugs. Our studies underscore the relevance of using a combination of low-cost and low-complexity assays with full 3R compliance in concert with a rationalized focused library of compounds to identify new chemical scaffolds and to dissect some of their properties prior to taking further steps toward compound development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Hanna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Kicka
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gianpaolo Chiriano
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry/Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Harrison
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hajer Ouertatani Sakouhi
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valentin Trofimov
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Agata Kranjc
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry/Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jahn Nitschke
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marco Pagni
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Cosson
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Hilbi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Scapozza
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry/Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Soldati
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Pizzorno A, Padey B, Terrier O, Rosa-Calatrava M. Drug Repurposing Approaches for the Treatment of Influenza Viral Infection: Reviving Old Drugs to Fight Against a Long-Lived Enemy. Front Immunol 2019; 10:531. [PMID: 30941148 PMCID: PMC6434107 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses still constitute a real public health problem today. To cope with the emergence of new circulating strains, but also the emergence of resistant strains to classic antivirals, it is necessary to develop new antiviral approaches. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art of current antiviral options against influenza infection, with a particular focus on the recent advances of anti-influenza drug repurposing strategies and their potential therapeutic, regulatory and economic benefits. The review will illustrate the multiple ways to reposition molecules for the treatment of influenza, from adventitious discovery to in silico-based screening. These novel antiviral molecules, many of which targeting the host cell, in combination with conventional antiviral agents targeting the virus, will ideally enter the clinics and reinforce the therapeutic arsenal to combat influenza virus infections.
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Mercorelli B, Palù G, Loregian A. Drug Repurposing for Viral Infectious Diseases: How Far Are We? Trends Microbiol 2018; 26:865-876. [PMID: 29759926 PMCID: PMC7126639 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent advances in controlling some viral pathogens, most viral infections still lack specific treatment. Indeed, the need for effective therapeutic strategies to combat 'old', emergent, and re-emergent viruses is not paralleled by the approval of new antivirals. In the past years, drug repurposing combined with innovative approaches for drug validation, and with appropriate animal models, significantly contributed to the identification of new antiviral molecules and targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we describe the main strategies of drug repurposing in antiviral discovery, discuss the most promising candidates that could be repurposed to treat viral infections, and analyze the possible caveats of this trendy strategy of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy.
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Cummings J, Reiber C, Kumar P. The price of progress: Funding and financing Alzheimer's disease drug development. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2018; 4:330-343. [PMID: 30175227 PMCID: PMC6118094 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advancing research and treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the search for effective treatments depend on a complex financial ecosystem involving federal, state, industry, advocacy, venture capital, and philanthropy funding approaches. METHODS We conducted an expert review of the literature pertaining to funding and financing of translational research and drug development for AD. RESULTS The federal government is the largest public funder of research in AD. The National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and National Center for Advancing Translational Science all fund aspects of research in AD drug development. Non-National Institutes of Health federal funding comes from the National Science Foundation, Veterans Administration, Food and Drug Administration, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Academic Medical Centers host much of the federally funded basic science research and are increasingly involved in drug development. Funding of the "Valley of Death" involves philanthropy and federal funding through small business programs and private equity from seed capital, angel investors, and venture capital companies. Advocacy groups fund both basic science and clinical trials. The Alzheimer Association is the advocacy organization with the largest research support portfolio relevant to AD drug development. Pharmaceutical companies are the largest supporters of biomedical research worldwide; companies are most interested in late stage de-risked drugs. Drugs progressing into phase II and III are candidates for pharmaceutical industry support through licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and co-development collaborations. DISCUSSION Together, the funding and financing entities involved in supporting AD drug development comprise a complex, interactive, dynamic financial ecosystem. Funding source interaction is largely unstructured and available funding is insufficient to meet all demands for new therapies. Novel approaches to funding such as mega-funds have been proposed and more integration of component parts would assist in accelerating drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Cummings
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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Trist IML, Nannetti G, Tintori C, Fallacara AL, Deodato D, Mercorelli B, Palù G, Wijtmans M, Gospodova T, Edink E, Verheij M, de Esch I, Viteva L, Loregian A, Botta M. 4,6-Diphenylpyridines as Promising Novel Anti-Influenza Agents Targeting the PA-PB1 Protein-Protein Interaction: Structure-Activity Relationships Exploration with the Aid of Molecular Modeling. J Med Chem 2016; 59:2688-703. [PMID: 26924568 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Influenza is an infectious disease that represents an important public health burden, with high impact on the global morbidity, mortality, and economy. The poor protection and the need of annual updating of the anti-influenza vaccine, added to the rapid emergence of viral strains resistant to current therapy make the need for antiviral drugs with novel mechanisms of action compelling. In this regard, the viral RNA polymerase is an attractive target that allows the design of selective compounds with reduced risk of resistance. In previous studies we showed that the inhibition of the polymerase acidic protein-basic protein 1 (PA-PB1) interaction is a promising strategy for the development of anti-influenza agents. Starting from the previously identified 3-cyano-4,6-diphenyl-pyridines, we chemically modified this scaffold and explored its structure-activity relationships. Noncytotoxic compounds with both the ability of disrupting the PA-PB1 interaction and antiviral activity were identified, and their mechanism of target binding was clarified with molecular modeling simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuni M L Trist
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena , Via A. Moro, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulio Nannetti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Padova , Via A. Gabelli 63, I-35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Tintori
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena , Via A. Moro, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Fallacara
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena , Via A. Moro, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Davide Deodato
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena , Via A. Moro, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Mercorelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Padova , Via A. Gabelli 63, I-35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Padova , Via A. Gabelli 63, I-35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Maikel Wijtmans
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam , De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tzveta Gospodova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences , Acad. Georgy Bonchev str. BI. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ewald Edink
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam , De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Verheij
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam , De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iwan de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam , De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lilia Viteva
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences , Acad. Georgy Bonchev str. BI. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Padova , Via A. Gabelli 63, I-35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Botta
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena , Via A. Moro, I-53100 Siena, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University , BioLife Science Building, Suite 333, 1900 N 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
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Dahlin JL, Inglese J, Walters MA. Mitigating risk in academic preclinical drug discovery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2015; 14:279-94. [PMID: 25829283 PMCID: PMC6002840 DOI: 10.1038/nrd4578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The number of academic drug discovery centres has grown considerably in recent years, providing new opportunities to couple the curiosity-driven research culture in academia with rigorous preclinical drug discovery practices used in industry. To fully realize the potential of these opportunities, it is important that academic researchers understand the risks inherent in preclinical drug discovery, and that translational research programmes are effectively organized and supported at an institutional level. In this article, we discuss strategies to mitigate risks in several key aspects of preclinical drug discovery at academic drug discovery centres, including organization, target selection, assay design, medicinal chemistry and preclinical pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayme L Dahlin
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - James Inglese
- 1] National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA. [2] National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Michael A Walters
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 717 Delaware St SE, Room 609, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, USA
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Loregian A, Mercorelli B, Nannetti G, Compagnin C, Palù G. Antiviral strategies against influenza virus: towards new therapeutic approaches. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:3659-83. [PMID: 24699705 PMCID: PMC11114059 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1615-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Influenza viruses are major human pathogens responsible for respiratory diseases affecting millions of people worldwide and characterized by high morbidity and significant mortality. Influenza infections can be controlled by vaccination and antiviral drugs. However, vaccines need annual updating and give limited protection. Only two classes of drugs are currently approved for the treatment of influenza: M2 ion channel blockers and neuraminidase inhibitors. However, they are often associated with limited efficacy and adverse side effects. In addition, the currently available drugs suffer from rapid and extensive emergence of drug resistance. All this highlights the urgent need for developing new antiviral strategies with novel mechanisms of action and with reduced drug resistance potential. Several new classes of antiviral agents targeting viral replication mechanisms or cellular proteins/processes are under development. This review gives an overview of novel strategies targeting the virus and/or the host cell for counteracting influenza virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy,
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13
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Collaborative practices for medicinal chemistry research across the big pharma and not-for-profit interface. Drug Discov Today 2014; 19:496-501. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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DrugPath: a database for academic investigators to match oncology molecular targets with drugs in development. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2014; 73:1089-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-014-2433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Stokes ME, McCourt P. Towards personalized agriculture: what chemical genomics can bring to plant biotechnology. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2014; 5:344. [PMID: 25183965 PMCID: PMC4135236 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to the dominant drug paradigm in which compounds were developed to "fit all," new models focused around personalized medicine are appearing in which treatments are developed and customized for individual patients. The agricultural biotechnology industry (Ag-biotech) should also think about these new personalized models. For example, most common herbicides are generic in action, which led to the development of genetically modified crops to add specificity. The ease and accessibility of modern genomic analysis, when wedded to accessible large chemical space, should facilitate the discovery of chemicals that are more selective in their utility. Is it possible to develop species-selective herbicides and growth regulators? More generally put, is plant research at a stage where chemicals can be developed that streamline plant development and growth to various environments? We believe the advent of chemical genomics now opens up these and other opportunities to "personalize" agriculture. Furthermore, chemical genomics does not necessarily require genetically tractable plant models, which in principle should allow quick translation to practical applications. For this to happen, however, will require collaboration between the Ag-biotech industry and academic labs for early stage research and development, a situation that has proven very fruitful for Big Pharma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter McCourt
- *Correspondence: Peter McCourt, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada e-mail:
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Singh R, Godfrey A, Gregertsen B, Muller F, Gernaey KV, Gani R, Woodley JM. Systematic substrate adoption methodology (SAM) for future flexible, generic pharmaceutical production processes. Comput Chem Eng 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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