Ligand efficient tetrahydro-pyrazolopyridines as inhibitors of ERK2 kinase

A series of structure based drug design hypotheses and focused screening efforts drove improvements in the potency and lipophilic efficiency of tetrahydro-pyrazolopyridine based ERK2 inhibitors. Elaboration of a fragment chemical lead established a new lipophilic aryl-Tyr interaction resulting in a substantial potency improvement. Subsequent cleavage of the lipophilic moiety led to reconfiguration of the ligand bound binding cleft. The reconfiguration established a polar contact between a newly liberated N-H and a vicinal Asp, resulting in further improvements in lipophilic efficiency and in vitro clearance.