Conformational-Design-Driven Discovery of EZM0414: A Selective, Potent SETD2 Inhibitor for Clinical Studies

SETD2, a lysine N-methyltransferase, is a histone methyltransferase that plays an important role in various cellular processes and was identified as a target of interest in multiple myeloma that features a t(4,14) translocation. We recently reported the discovery of a novel small-molecule SETD2 inhibitor tool compound that is suitable for preclinical studies. Herein we describe the conformational-design-driven evolution of the advanced chemistry lead, which resulted in compounds appropriate for clinical evaluation. Further optimization of this chemical series led to the discovery of EZM0414, which is a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of SETD2 with good pharmacokinetic properties and robust pharmacodynamic activity in a mouse xenograft model.