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Darlami O, Pun R, Ahn SH, Kim SH, Shin D. Macrocyclization strategy for improving candidate profiles in medicinal chemistry. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116501. [PMID: 38754142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116501] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Macrocycles are defined as cyclic compounds with 12 or more members. In medicinal chemistry, they are categorized based on their core chemistry into cyclic peptides and macrocycles. Macrocycles are advantageous because of their structural diversity and ability to achieve high affinity and selectivity towards challenging targets that are often not addressable by conventional small molecules. The potential of macrocyclization to optimize drug-like properties while maintaining adequate bioavailability and permeability has been emphasized as a key innovation in medicinal chemistry. This review provides a detailed case study of the application of macrocyclization over the past 5 years, starting from the initial analysis of acyclic active compounds to optimization of the resulting macrocycles for improved efficacy and drug-like properties. Additionally, it illustrates the strategic value of macrocyclization in contemporary drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Om Darlami
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Hambakmoe-ro 191, Yeunsu-gu, Incheon, 21935, Republic of Korea
| | - Rabin Pun
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Hambakmoe-ro 191, Yeunsu-gu, Incheon, 21935, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Ahn
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Gangwondaehak-gil 1, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Gangwondaehak-gil 1, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dongyun Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Hambakmoe-ro 191, Yeunsu-gu, Incheon, 21935, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Maeba T, Hirata K, Kotoku M, Seki N, Maeda K, Hirashima S, Yamanaka H, Sakai T, Obika S, Hori A, Hara Y, Noji S, Suwa Y, Yokota M, Fujioka S, Yamaguchi T, Katsuda Y, Hata T, Miyagawa N, Arita K, Nomura Y, Taniguchi T, Asahina K, Aratsu Y, Naka Y, Adachi T, Nomura A, Akai S, Oshida SI, Pai S, Crowe P, Bradley E, Steensma R, Tao H, Fenn M, Babine R, Li X, Thacher S, Soeta T, Ukaji Y, Shiozaki M. Discovery and SAR of JTE-151: A Novel RORγ Inhibitor for Clinical Development. J Med Chem 2024; 67:952-970. [PMID: 38170624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
A number of RORγ inhibitors have been reported over the past decade. There were also several examples advancing to human clinical trials, however, none of them has reached the market yet, suggesting that there could be common obstacles for their future development. As was expected from the general homology of nuclear receptor ligands, insufficient selectivity as well as poor physicochemical properties were identified as potential risks for a RORγ program. Based on such considerations, we conducted a SAR investigation by prioritizing drug-like properties to mitigate such potential drawbacks. After an intensive SAR exploration with strong emphasis on "drug-likeness" indices, an orally available RORγ inhibitor, JTE-151, was finally generated and was advanced to a human clinical trial. The compound was confirmed to possess highly selective profiles along with good metabolic stability, and most beneficially, no serious adverse events (SAE) and good PK profiles were observed in the human clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaki Maeba
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
- Division of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Hirata
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kotoku
- Akros Pharma Inc., Boston Office, One Broadway, 14th Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Noriyoshi Seki
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Katsuya Maeda
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Shintaro Hirashima
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamanaka
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Takayuki Sakai
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Shingo Obika
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Akimi Hori
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hara
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Satoru Noji
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Suwa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yokota
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Shingo Fujioka
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Takayuki Yamaguchi
- Pharmaceutical Division, Japan Tobacco Inc., 3-4-1, Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Katsuda
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hata
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Naoki Miyagawa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Kojo Arita
- Pharmaceutical Division, Japan Tobacco Inc., 3-4-1, Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Nomura
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Toshio Taniguchi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Kota Asahina
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Yusuke Aratsu
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Yuichi Naka
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Adachi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nomura
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Shota Akai
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Oshida
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Yokohama Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-13-2, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004, Japan
| | - Sudhakar Pai
- Akros Pharma Inc., 302 Carnegie Center, Suite 300, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - Paul Crowe
- Orphagen Pharmaceuticals, 11558 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 4, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Erin Bradley
- Orphagen Pharmaceuticals, 11558 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 4, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Ruo Steensma
- Orphagen Pharmaceuticals, 11558 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 4, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Haiyan Tao
- Orphagen Pharmaceuticals, 11558 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 4, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Morgan Fenn
- Orphagen Pharmaceuticals, 11558 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 4, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Robert Babine
- Orphagen Pharmaceuticals, 11558 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 4, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Xiaolin Li
- Orphagen Pharmaceuticals, 11558 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 4, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Scott Thacher
- Orphagen Pharmaceuticals, 11558 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 4, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Takahiro Soeta
- Division of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yutaka Ukaji
- Division of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Makoto Shiozaki
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Takatsuki Research Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
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3
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Zeng J, Li M, Zhao Q, Chen M, Zhao L, Wei S, Yang H, Zhao Y, Wang A, Shen J, Du F, Chen Y, Deng S, Wang F, Zhang Z, Li Z, Wang T, Wang S, Xiao Z, Wu X. Small molecule inhibitors of RORγt for Th17 regulation in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. J Pharm Anal 2023; 13:545-562. [PMID: 37440911 PMCID: PMC10334362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a ligand-dependent transcription factor, retinoid-associated orphan receptor γt (RORγt) that controls T helper (Th) 17 cell differentiation and interleukin (IL)-17 expression plays a critical role in the progression of several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. An emerging novel approach to the therapy of these diseases thus involves controlling the transcriptional capacity of RORγt to decrease Th17 cell development and IL-17 production. Several RORγt inhibitors including both antagonists and inverse agonists have been discovered to regulate the transcriptional activity of RORγt by binding to orthosteric- or allosteric-binding sites in the ligand-binding domain. Some of small-molecule inhibitors have entered clinical evaluations. Therefore, in current review, the role of RORγt in Th17 regulation and Th17-related inflammatory and autoimmune diseases was highlighted. Notably, the recently developed RORγt inhibitors were summarized, with an emphasis on their optimization from lead compounds, efficacy, toxicity, mechanisms of action, and clinical trials. The limitations of current development in this area were also discussed to facilitate future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuping Zeng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Qianyun Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Meijuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Shulin Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Anqi Wang
- School of Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Shuai Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Tiangang Wang
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China
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4
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Schnute ME, Trujillo JI, Lee KL, Unwalla R, Vajdos FF, Kauppi B, Nuhant P, Flick AC, Crouse KK, Zhao Y, Samuel A, Lombardo V, Taylor AP, Brault AL, Knafels JD, Vazquez ML, Berstein G. Macrocyclic Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor C2 Inverse Agonists. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:191-198. [PMID: 36793423 PMCID: PMC9923832 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrocyclic retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor C2 (RORC2) inverse agonists have been designed with favorable properties for topical administration. Inspired by the unanticipated bound conformation of an acyclic sulfonamide-based RORC2 ligand from cocrystal structure analysis, macrocyclic linker connections between the halves of the molecule were explored. Further optimization of analogues was accomplished to maximize potency and refine physiochemical properties (MW, lipophilicity) best suited for topical application. Compound 14 demonstrated potent inhibition of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) production by human Th17 cells and in vitro permeation through healthy human skin achieving high total compound concentration in both skin epidermis and dermis layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E. Schnute
- Medicine
Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - John I. Trujillo
- Medicine
Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Katherine L. Lee
- Medicine
Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ray Unwalla
- Medicine
Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Felix F. Vajdos
- Medicine
Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | | | - Philippe Nuhant
- Medicine
Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Andrew C. Flick
- Medicine
Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Kimberly K. Crouse
- Inflammation
and Immunology Research, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yajuan Zhao
- Inflammation
and Immunology Research, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Amanda Samuel
- Drug
Product Design, Pfizer Inc., San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Vincent Lombardo
- Medicine
Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | | | - Amy L. Brault
- Medicine
Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - John D. Knafels
- Medicine
Design, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Michael L. Vazquez
- Medicine
Design, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Gabriel Berstein
- Inflammation
and Immunology Research, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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5
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Chen J, Hu Y, Zhang J, Wang Q, Wu X, Huang W, Wang Q, Cai G, Wang H, Ou T, Feng W, Liu P, Liu Y, Wang J, Huang J, Wang J. Therapeutic targeting RORγ with natural product N-hydroxyapiosporamide for small cell lung cancer by reprogramming neuroendocrine fate. Pharmacol Res 2022; 178:106160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Narjes F, Llinas A, von Berg S, Jirholt J, Lever S, Pehrson R, Collins M, Malmberg A, Svanberg P, Xue Y, Olsson RI, Malmberg J, Hughes G, Hossain N, Grindebacke H, Leffler A, Krutrök N, Bäck E, Ramnegård M, Lepistö M, Thunberg L, Aagaard A, McPheat J, Hansson EL, Chen R, Xiong Y, Hansson TG. AZD0284, a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable Inverse Agonist of Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor C2. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13807-13829. [PMID: 34464130 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Inverse agonists of the nuclear receptor RORC2 have been widely pursued as a potential treatment for a variety of autoimmune diseases. We have discovered a novel series of isoindoline-based inverse agonists of the nuclear receptor RORC2, derived from our recently disclosed RORC2 inverse agonist 2. Extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies resulted in AZD0284 (20), which combined potent inhibition of IL-17A secretion from primary human TH17 cells with excellent metabolic stability and good PK in preclinical species. In two preclinical in vivo studies, compound 20 reduced thymocyte numbers in mice and showed dose-dependent reduction of IL-17A containing γδ-T cells and of IL-17A and IL-22 RNA in the imiquimod induced inflammation model. Based on these data and a favorable safety profile, 20 was progressed to phase 1 clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yafeng Xue
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Linda Thunberg
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | - Anna Aagaard
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | - Jane McPheat
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | - Eva L Hansson
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | - Rongfeng Chen
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Yao Xiong
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
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7
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Moret M, Helmstädter M, Grisoni F, Schneider G, Merk D. Beam‐Search zum automatisierten Entwurf und Scoring neuer ROR‐Liganden mithilfe maschineller Intelligenz**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202104405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Moret
- ETH Zurich Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Schweiz
| | - Moritz Helmstädter
- Goethe University Frankfurt Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Straße 9 60438 Frankfurt Deutschland
| | - Francesca Grisoni
- ETH Zurich Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Schweiz
- Eindhoven University of Technology Institute for Complex Molecular Systems Department of Biomedical Engineering Groene Loper 7 5612AZ Eindhoven Niederlande
| | - Gisbert Schneider
- ETH Zurich Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Schweiz
- ETH Singapore SEC Ltd 1 CREATE Way, #06-01 CREATE Tower Singapore 138602 Singapur
| | - Daniel Merk
- Goethe University Frankfurt Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Straße 9 60438 Frankfurt Deutschland
- LMU München Department of Pharmacy Butenandtstraße 7 81377 München Deutschland
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8
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Moret M, Helmstädter M, Grisoni F, Schneider G, Merk D. Beam Search for Automated Design and Scoring of Novel ROR Ligands with Machine Intelligence*. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:19477-19482. [PMID: 34165856 PMCID: PMC8457062 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202104405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Chemical language models enable de novo drug design without the requirement for explicit molecular construction rules. While such models have been applied to generate novel compounds with desired bioactivity, the actual prioritization and selection of the most promising computational designs remains challenging. Herein, we leveraged the probabilities learnt by chemical language models with the beam search algorithm as a model-intrinsic technique for automated molecule design and scoring. Prospective application of this method yielded novel inverse agonists of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs). Each design was synthesizable in three reaction steps and presented low-micromolar to nanomolar potency towards RORγ. This model-intrinsic sampling technique eliminates the strict need for external compound scoring functions, thereby further extending the applicability of generative artificial intelligence to data-driven drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Moret
- ETH ZurichDepartment of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesVladimir-Prelog-Weg 48093ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Moritz Helmstädter
- Goethe University FrankfurtInstitute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryMax-von-Laue-Strasse 960438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Francesca Grisoni
- ETH ZurichDepartment of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesVladimir-Prelog-Weg 48093ZurichSwitzerland
- Eindhoven University of TechnologyInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsDepartment of Biomedical EngineeringGroene Loper 75612AZEindhovenNetherlands
| | - Gisbert Schneider
- ETH ZurichDepartment of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesVladimir-Prelog-Weg 48093ZurichSwitzerland
- ETH Singapore SEC Ltd1 CREATE Way, #06-01 CREATE TowerSingapore138602Singapore
| | - Daniel Merk
- Goethe University FrankfurtInstitute of Pharmaceutical ChemistryMax-von-Laue-Strasse 960438FrankfurtGermany
- LMU MunichDepartment of PharmacyButenandtstrasse 781377MunichGermany
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9
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Gege C. Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) inverse agonists/antagonists for the treatment of inflammatory diseases - where are we presently? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:1517-1535. [PMID: 34192992 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1948833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The transcription factor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) has been identified as the master regulator of TH17 cell differentiation and IL-17/22 production and is therefore an attractive target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Several orally or topically administered small molecule RORγt inverse agonists (RIAs) have progressed up to the end of clinical Phase 2.Areas covered: Based on publications and patent evaluations this review summarizes the evolution of the chemical matter for all 16 pharmaceutical companies, who develop(ed) a clinical-stage RIAs (until March 2021). Structure proposals for some clinical stage RIAs are presented and the outcome of the clinical trials is discussed.Expert opinion: So far, the clinical trials have been plagued with a high attrition rate. Main reasons were lack of efficacy (topical) or safety signals (oral) as well as, amongst other things, thymic lymphomas as seen with BMS-986251 in a preclinical study and liver enzyme elevations in humans with VTP-43742. Possibilities to mitigate these risks could be the use of RIAs with different chemical structures not interfering with thymocytes maturation and no livertox-inducing properties. With new frontrunners (e.g., ABBV-157 (cedirogant), BI 730357 or IMU-935) this is still an exciting time for this treatment approach.
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Asimus S, Palmér R, Albayaty M, Forsman H, Lundin C, Olsson M, Pehrson R, Mo J, Russell M, Carlert S, Close D, Keeling D. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of the inverse retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γ agonist AZD0284. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 86:1398-1405. [PMID: 32067249 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ), a master regulator of T-helper 17 (Th17) cell function and differentiation, is an attractive target for treatment of Th17-driven diseases. This first-in-human study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of the inverse RORγ agonist AZD0284. METHODS We conducted a phase I, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, two-part, first-in-human study with healthy subjects receiving single (4-238 mg) or multiple (12-100 mg) oral doses of AZD0284 or placebo after overnight fasting. Subjects in the one single dose cohort additionally received a single dose of AZD0284 after a high-calorie meal. AZD0284 plasma concentrations, as well as inhibition of ex vivo-stimulated interleukin (IL)-17A release in whole blood, were frequently measured after both single and multiple dosing. RESULTS Eighty-three men participated in the study. AZD0284 was absorbed rapidly into plasma after oral dosing and exhibited a terminal half-life of 13-16 hours. Both the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax ) increased subproportionally with increasing dose (95% confidence intervals of slope parameter were 0.71-0.84 and 0.72-0.88 for AUC and Cmax , respectively). Food intake delayed the absorption of AZD0284 but did not affect the overall exposure or half-life. AZD0284 showed dose-dependent reduction of ex vivo-stimulated IL-17A release after both single and multiple doses. No significant safety concerns were identified in the study. CONCLUSIONS AZD0284 was well tolerated, rapidly and dose-dependently absorbed, and reduced stimulated IL-17A release after single and multiple dosing. The results of this study support further clinical development of AZD0284.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Asimus
- Clinical Pharmacology & Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Robert Palmér
- Clinical Pharmacology & Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Henrik Forsman
- Clinical Development, Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmune, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Lundin
- Clinical Development, Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmune, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marita Olsson
- Early Biostats and Statistical Innovation, Data Science and AI, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rikard Pehrson
- Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmune, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - John Mo
- Patient Safety, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Chief Medical Office, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Muir Russell
- Study Delivery, Early Oncology Clinical, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sara Carlert
- Early Product Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Close
- Clinical Development, Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmune, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Keeling
- Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmune, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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