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Nintedanib: from discovery to the clinic
Gerald J Roth1, Rudolf Binder, Florian Colbatzky
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry; §Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics; ‡Department of Non-Clinical Drug Safety; ∥Department of Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology; ⊥Department of Respiratory Diseases Research; and #Corporate Division Medicine, TA Oncology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG , 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany.
Abstract:
Nintedanib (BIBF1120) is a potent, oral, small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, also known as a triple angiokinase inhibitor, inhibiting three major signaling pathways involved in angiogenesis. Nintedanib targets proangiogenic and pro-fibrotic pathways mediated by the VEGFR family, the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family, the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) family, as well as Src and Flt-3 kinases. The compound was identified during a lead optimization program for small-molecule inhibitors of angiogenesis and has since undergone extensive clinical investigation for the treatment of various solid tumors, and in patients with the debilitating lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Recent clinical evidence from phase III studies has shown that nintedanib has significant efficacy in the treatment of NSCLC, ovarian cancer, and IPF. This review article provides a comprehensive summary of the preclinical and clinical research and development of nintedanib from the initial drug discovery process to the latest available clinical trial data.
Insights
Nintedanib, a triple angiokinase inhibitor, effectively treats non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian cancer, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This review details its preclinical and clinical development, highlighting significant efficacy in phase III studies.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Nintedanib is an oral small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting key pathways in angiogenesis and fibrosis.
- It inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) families, among others.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of nintedanib's preclinical and clinical research.
- To summarize the drug discovery process and latest clinical trial data for nintedanib.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical studies.
- Analysis of clinical trial data from phase III studies.
Main Results:
- Nintedanib demonstrated significant efficacy in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Nintedanib showed significant efficacy in treating ovarian cancer.
- Nintedanib demonstrated significant efficacy in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Conclusions:
- Nintedanib is a clinically validated therapeutic agent for NSCLC, ovarian cancer, and IPF.
- The review consolidates nintedanib's research and development journey, from discovery to clinical application.
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