Optimization of novel reversible Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors identified using Tethering-fragment-based

Brian T Hopkins1, Eris Bame1, Noah Bell2

  • 1Biogen Inc., 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States.

Insights

Researchers developed new reversible, selective, and potent Bruton

Area of Science:

  • Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ibrutinib, a covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, was approved in 2012 for B-cell malignancies.
  • Numerous clinical trials have explored covalent BTK inhibitors for cancer treatment.
  • Developing reversible, selective, and potent BTK inhibitors remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify novel reversible, selective, and potent inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK).
  • To optimize low molecular weight fragments for improved on-target potency and ADME properties.
  • To discover compounds suitable for pre-clinical proof-of-concept studies in oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Application of Tethering-fragment-based screening (TFS) to identify initial low molecular weight fragments.
  • Iterative optimization of identified fragments to enhance potency and pharmacokinetic properties.
  • Evaluation of optimized compounds for selectivity and suitability for pre-clinical studies.

Main Results:

  • Successfully identified low molecular weight fragments using TFS.
  • Optimized fragments demonstrated improved on-target potency and ADME properties.
  • Discovered reversible, selective, and potent BTK inhibitors.

Conclusions:

  • Tethering-fragment-based screening is an effective strategy for discovering novel BTK inhibitors.
  • The identified inhibitors are potent, selective, and reversible, suitable for pre-clinical development.
  • This work addresses the need for improved BTK-targeted therapies in oncology.