Synthesis of Non-canonical Amino Acids and Peptide Containing Them for Establishment of the Template for Drug Discovery

Considerations for the genotoxicity assessment of middle size peptide drugs containing non-canonical amino acid residues

BACKGROUND

Middle size peptides (MSPs) have emerged as a promising new pharmaceutical modality. We are seeking the best way to assess the non-clinical safety of MSPs.

CONSIDERATION

The requirements for assessing the genotoxicity of pharmaceuticals differ between small molecule drugs and biotherapeutics. Genotoxicity tests are necessary for small molecule drugs but not for biotherapeutics. MSPs, however, share similarities with both small molecule drugs and biotherapeutics. Here, we describe important points to consider in assessing the genotoxicity of MSP drugs. The current standard of genotoxicity assessment for small molecules may not be entirely appropriate for MSP drugs. MSP drugs need genotoxicity assessment mostly according to the current standard of small molecule drugs.

CONCLUSION

We propose a few modifications to the standard test battery of genotoxicity tests, specifically, the inclusion of an in vitro gene mutation test using mammalian cells, and exclusion of (Q)SAR assessment on MSP-related impurities.

Preparation of N-2-Nitrophenylsulfenyl Imino Peptides and Their Catalyst-Controlled Diastereoselective Indolylation

N-2-Nitrophenylsulfenyl imino dipeptides bearing various functional groups were successfully prepared by MnO₂ -mediated oxidation and then subjected to diastereoselective indolylation. Each diastereomer of the adduct was selectively obtained from the same substrates using the appropriate chiral phosphoric acid catalysts. These transformations would be useful for synthesizing non-canonical amino acid-containing peptides as novel drug candidates.