Favorable Pharmacokinetic Profile Research Articles

HDAC specificity and kinase off-targeting by purine-benzohydroxamate anti-hematological tumor agents

A series of hybrid inhibitors, combining pharmacophores of known kinase inhibitors bearing anilino-purines (ruxolitinib, ibrutinib) and benzohydroxamate HDAC inhibitors (nexturastat A), were generated in the present study. The compounds have been synthesized and tested against solid and hematological tumor cell lines. Compounds 4d-f were the most promising in cytotoxicity assays (IC50 ≤ 50 nM) vs. hematological cells and displayed moderate activity in solid tumor models (EC50 = 9.3–21.7 μM). Compound 4d potently inhibited multiple kinase targets of interest for anticancer effects, including JAK2, JAK3, HDAC1, and HDAC6. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that 4d has stable interactions with HDAC and members of the JAK family, with differences in the hinge binding energy conferring selectivity for JAK3 and JAK2 over JAK1. The kinase inhibition profile of compounds 4d-f allows selective cytotoxicity, with minimal effects on non-tumorigenic cells. Moreover, these compounds have favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, with high stability in human liver microsomes (e.g., see t1/2: >120 min for 4f), low intrinsic clearance, and lack of significant inhibition of four major CYP450 isoforms.

Non-clinical evaluation of YN001-a promising drug for atherosclerotic therapy by targeted delivery system

Abstract Background Atherosclerosis (AS) is a systemic disease and the common cause of heart attacks, strokes and peripheral vascular disease collectively referred to as cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In AS plaques, CD44 is upregulated and functionally activated on vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. YN001 is a liposome encapsulated Rosuvastatin calcium which was initially approved for the reduction of cholesterol levels and slowing the progression of atherosclerosis. YN001 is being developed for the treatment of AS by targeted enrichment of Rosuvastatin in the local atherosclerotic plaques by CD44 active targeting ability of HPD, one of the components of liposome. Purpose Investigating pharmacology, PK and toxicity of YN001 to evaluate its clinical use potential for AS patients. Results As expected, YN001 could bind to CD44 with KD as 485.5pm while there’s no binding affinity of non-targeted liposome (encapsulate Rosuvastatin without HPD). In stimulated human macrophages in which CD44 was overexpressed, YN001 showed enhanced uptake and higher cholesterol effluxion ability than Rosuvastatin, meanwhile more MCP-1 reduction was also observed. In ApoE AS mice model, single YN001 administration showed much higher drug concentrations in the plaque of aortas compared to Rosuvastatin (oral or iv) or non-targeted liposome which demonstrated targeted enrichment ability by HPD. With repeat treatment of YN001 at 5mg/kg in AS mice model, atherosclerotic plaque weight decreasing and plaque area reduction were observed, following MCP-1 reduction. YN001 may down-regulate the expression of inflammatory signaling pathways, such as chemokine-related signaling pathway to reduce the inflammatory response of atherosclerotic plaques to decrease plaque levels. In pharmacokinetic studies in rats and dogs, YN001 had much higher exposure in plasma and prolonged existence compared to Rosuvastatin i.v administration. A comprehensive safety evaluation package was performed in rats and dogs including safety pharmacology, general toxicity, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity and local tolerance. Results showed YN001 has promising safety with NOAEL as 40mg/kg in both or rats and dogs. Conclusion YN001 demonstrated excellent efficacy in AS model, a favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles in rats and dogs. These support its FDA IND approval and phase I study is ongoing to investigate further character in clinical.Efficacy and pharmacokinetics resultsSafety evaluation

Molecular Modeling of Enoyl Acyl Carrier Protein Reductase Inhibitors for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and their Pharmacokinetic Predictions

Tuberculosis (TB) is a deep public health concern worldwide worsened by reported multi drugresistant (MDR) and extensively drug- resistant (XDR) stralins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of the disease. A new class of thiadiazole inhibitors were reported to inhibit the enoyl-acyl transporter protein reductase (InhA) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb). We performed here the computer-aided molecular design of novel thiadiazole (TDZ) inhibitors of InhA by in situ modifying the reference crystal structure of (S)-1-(5-((1-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)-1 H-pyrazol-3yl)amino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-1-(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)ethanol-InhA (PDB code: 4BQP). Thus a training set of 15 hybrids with known inhibition potency \(\left(\mathrm{IC}_{50}^{\exp }\right)\) was selected to establish a onedescriptor quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model resulting in a linear correlation between the Gibbs free energy (GFE) during the formation of the InhA-TDZ complex and \(\mathrm{IC}_{50}^{\mathrm{exp}}\left(\mathrm{plC} \mathrm{C}_{50} \exp ==-0.29 \mathrm{x} \Delta \Delta \mathrm{G}_{\mathrm{com}}+8.13 ; \mathrm{n}=15 ; \mathrm{R}^2=0.92, \mathrm{R}^2{ }_{\mathrm{xv}}=0.91 ;\right.\) F-test of \(142.6 ; \sigma=0.21 ; \alpha>\) \(\left.95 \% ; R^2-R_{x v}^2=0.01\right)\). The 3D pharmacophore model \((\mathrm{PH} 4)\) generated from the active conformations of TDZs ( \(\mathrm{pIC}_{50}^{\mathrm{exp}}=0.93 \times \mathrm{pIC}_{50}^{\text {pred }}+0.47 ; \mathrm{n}=15 ; \mathrm{R}^2=0.97 ; \mathrm{R}_{\mathrm{xv}}=0.94 ;\) F-test of \(215.45 ; \sigma=0.17 ; \alpha>98 \% ; R^2-R_{x v}^2=0.03\) ) served as a virtual screening tool for new analogs from a virtual library (VL). The combination of molecular modeling and \(\mathrm{PH} 4\) in silico screening of (\(\mathrm{VL}\)) resulted in the identification of novel potent antitubercular agent candidates with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles of which the six best hits predicted inhibitory potencies \(\mathrm{IC}_{50}^{\text {pre }}\) in the sub nanomolar range \((0.1-0.2 \mathrm{nM})\).

Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of oral (S)-oxiracetam in Chinese healthy volunteers: A randomized, double-blind, controlled phase I study

(S)-oxiracetam is the major active enantiomer of oxiracetam, which is being developed for dementia. This trial was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of oral (S)-oxiracetam in healthy Chinese volunteers. A randomized, controlled, double-blind and dose-escalation design was used in this Phase I trial, which consisted of a single-ascending-dose (SAD) study (400-2000mg) and a multiple-ascending-dose (MAD) study (400-1600mg). Blood, urine and feces samples were collected for pharmacokinetic analysis. Safety was evaluated by monitoring adverse events (AEs). AEs in both studies were mild or moderate in severity and dose-independent. In the SAD study, no chiral transformation was observed. 55.03% and 36.16% of (S)-oxiracetam was excreted unchanged in urine and feces, respectively. Exposures exhibited dose-proportional increases over the range of 400 to 1600mg but almost unchanged from 1600 to 2000mg. (S)-oxiracetam was absorbed rapidly, reaching a peak at 0.75-1.00h, and t1/2 was 6.12-6.60h. Food had no effect on AUC, but prolonged Tmax to 3.00h. In the MAD study, steady-state was observed on day 5. Mild accumulations were observed after 7 days of repeated dosing. (S)-oxiracetam was safe and tolerated with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles at all study doses, providing dosing evidence for further efficacy evaluation.

Computer-Assisted Design of Benzoisoxazol derivatives Inhibitors of Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 (BRD4) with Favorable Pharmacokinetic Profile

We performed a relation computed-aided design based on the structure of benzo[d]isoxazol derivatives inhibitors (BDIO) derivatives, new potent inhibitors of the BRD4 protein. By using in-situ modifications of the three dimensional (3D) models of BRD4-BDIOx complex (Protein Data Bank (PDB) entry code: 5Y8Z) were prepared for the training and validation sets compounds of 29 BDIOx with observed inhibitory potencies (). We first built a quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) model in the gas phase, linearly correlating the calculated enthalpies of the BRD4-BDIOx complex formation with (; = 0,80) first and then a superior QSAR model was brought forth, correlating computed relative Gibbs’ free energies of complexation and ( = -0.1205 + 6.9374 ; = 0.96) which was then validated by a 3D-QSAR pharmacophore generation model (PH4) ( = 0.996 + 0.0554 ; = 0.95). The structural information of the active conformation of the training set BDIOs from the models guided us in the design of a virtual combinatorial library (VCL) of 99 225 analogs. We then filtered the VCL by applying Lipinski’s rule-of-five, in order to identify new BDIOs drug likely analogs. The pharmacophore (PH4)-based screening retained 106 new and potent BDIOs with predicted inhibitory potencies up to 158 times more active than the most active traing set BDIO1 (). Finally, the predicted pharmacokinetic profiles of the best potent of these new analogs () were compared to current orally administered anticancer drugs. This computational approach, which combines molecular mechanics and the Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) implicit solvation theory, the pharmacophore model, the analysis of BRD4-BDIOs interaction energies, the in-silico screening of VCL compounds, and the inference of ADME properties resulted in a set of new suggested BRD4 inhibitors for the fight against CRPC.

Investigation of novel 5ʹ-amino adenosine derivatives with potential anti-Zika virus activity

The Zika virus (ZIKV) infections remains a global health threat. However, no approved drug for treating ZIKV infection. We previously found TZY12-9, a 5ʹ-amino NI analog, that showed anti-ZIKV activity without chemical phosphorylation. Here, a series of 5ʹ-amino NI analogs were synthesized and evaluated. The compound XSJ2-46 exhibited potent in vitro activity without requiring chemical phosphorylation, favorable pharmacokinetic and acute toxicity profiles. Preliminary mechanisms of anti-ZIKV activity of XSJ2-46 were investigated via a series of ZIKV non-structural protein inhibition assays and host cell RNA-seq. XSJ2-46 acted at the replication stage of viral infection cycle, and exhibited reasonable inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp) with an IC50 value of 8.78 μM, while not affecting MTase. RNA-seq analysis also revealed differential expression genes involved in cytokine and cytokine receptor pathway in ZIKV-infected U87 cells treated with XSJ2-46. Importantly, treatment with XSJ2-46 (10 mg/kg/day) significantly enhanced survival protection (70% survival) in ZIKV-infected ICR mice. Additionally, XSJ2-46 administration resulted in a significant decrease in serum levels of ZIKV viral RNA in the IFNα/β receptor-deficient (Ifnar−/−) A129 mouse model. Therefore, the remarkable in vitro and in vivo anti-ZIKV activity of compound XSJ2-46 highlights the promising research direction of utilizing the 5ʹ-amino NI structure skeleton for developing antiviral NIs.

Strategies for developing retinoic acid receptor alpha-selective antagonists as novel agents for male contraception

Reported here are the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a series of 26 retinoic acid analogs based on dihydronaphthalene and chromene scaffolds using a transactivation assay. Chromene amide analog 21 was the most potent and selective retinoic acid receptor α antagonist identified from this series. In vitro evaluation indicated that 21 has favorable physicochemical properties and a favorable pharmacokinetic PK profile in vivo with significant oral bioavailability, metabolic stability, and testes exposure. Compound 21 was evaluated for its effects on spermatogenesis and disruption of fertility in a mouse model. Oral administration of compound 21 at low doses showed reproducibly characteristic albeit modest effects on spermatogenesis, but no effects on fertility were observed in mating studies. The inhibition of spermatogenesis could not be enhanced by raising the dose and lengthening the duration of dosing. Thus, 21 may not be a good candidate to pursue further for effects on male fertility.

Preclinical characterization of tunlametinib, a novel, potent, and selective MEK inhibitor.

Background: Aberrant activation of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway has been implicated in more than one-third of all malignancies. MEK inhibitors are promising therapeutic approaches to target this signaling pathway. Though four MEK inhibitors have been approved by FDA, these compounds possess either limited efficacy or unfavorable PK profiles with toxicity issues, hindering their broadly application in clinic. Our efforts were focused on the design and development of a novel MEK inhibitor, which subsequently led to the discovery of tunlametinib. Methods: This study verified the superiority of tunlametinib over the current MEK inhibitors in preclinical studies. The protein kinase selectivity activity of tunlametinib was evaluated against 77 kinases. Anti-proliferation activity was analyzed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) or (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) (MTS) assay. ERK and phospho-ERK levels were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to investigate cell cycle and arrest. Cell-derived xenograft (CDX) and Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were used to evaluate the tumor growth inhibition. The efficacy of tunlametinib as monotherapy treatment was evaluated in KRAS/BRAF mutant or wild type xenograft model. Furthermore, the combination studies of tunlametinib with BRAF/KRASG12C/SHP2 inhibitors or chemotherapeutic agent were conducted by using the cell proliferation assay in vitro and xenograft models in vivo. Results: In vitro, tunlametinib demonstrated high selectivity with approximately 19-fold greater potency against MEK kinase than MEK162, and nearly 10-100-fold greater potency against RAS/RAF mutant cell lines than AZD6244. In vivo, tunlametinib resulted in dramatic tumor suppression and profound inhibition of ERK phosphorylation in tumor tissue. Mechanistic study revealed that tunlametinib induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis of cells in a dose-proportional manner. In addition, tunlametinib demonstrated a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with dose-proportionality and good oral bioavailability, with minimal drug exposure accumulation. Furthermore, tunlametinib combined with BRAF/KRASG12C/SHP2 inhibitors or docetaxel showed synergistically enhanced response and marked tumor inhibition. Conclusion: Tunlametinib exhibited a promising approach for treating RAS/RAF mutant cancers alone or as combination therapies, supporting the evaluation in clinical trials. Currently, the first-in-human phase 1 study and pivotal clinical trial of tunlametinib as monotherapy have been completed and pivotal trials as combination therapy are ongoing.

Perampanel’s forgiveness factor in a variable medication adherence paradigm in a rat model of chronic epilepsy

BackgroundPoor medication adherence contributes to increased morbidity and mortality in patients with epilepsy and may be under-addressed in clinical practice. Ethical concerns make it impossible to study the impact of medication nonadherence in clinical trials, but our previous work emphasizes the importance of using preclinical approaches to address these questions. With over 30 clinically available antiseizure medicines (ASM’s), it remains an important question to understand the relationship between poor adherence and seizure incidence across mechanistically distinct ASM’s, including the broad-spectrum ASM, perampanel (PER).MethodsWe formulated PER into chow pellets to deliver to rats in a 100% fully adherent or 50% variable nonadherent paradigm via our novel automated medication-in-food delivery system. Chronic oral dosing was initiated in male rats with chronic epilepsy while monitoring 24/7 for videoEEG evidence of seizures during a 4-week placebo baseline and 4-week treatment phase. PER concentrations were monitored in plasma at 1-week intervals and correlated with degree of seizure control. The relationship between missed doses and extended patterns of nonadherence were correlated with breakthrough seizures.ResultsFully adherent rats demonstrated a median reduction in seizure frequency of 50%, whereas nonadherent rats had a median increase of 54%. Plasma concentrations of PER were stable over the 4-week treatment period in both fully adherent and nonadherent groups, with levels being twice as high in fully adherent animals. There was no correlation between a single missed dose or series of missed doses and the incidence of breakthrough seizures. However, those animals in the nonadherent group that received PER for every meal during a 24-h period had a reduced likelihood of seizure incidence.ConclusionsIf our preclinical data is supported in the clinic, PER’s favorable pharmacokinetic profile in humans, combined with a lowered risk of breakthrough seizures suggests that it may provide a certain forgiveness factor if a dose is missed within a 24-h window.

Discovery of 12 (BMS-986172) as a Highly Potent MGAT2 Inhibitor that Achieved Targeted Efficacious Exposures at a Low Human Dose for the Treatment of Metabolic Disorders.

A series of dihydropyridinone (DHP) compounds was prepared and evaluated for MGAT2 activity. The efforts led to the identification of novel tetrazolones with potent MGAT2 inhibitory activity and favorable in vitro profiles. Further tests of select analogues in mouse models revealed significant reduction in food intake and body weight. Subsequent studies in MGAT2 knockout mice with the lead candidate 12 (BMS-986172) showed on-target- and mechanism-based pharmacology. Moreover, its favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and the lack of species variability in the glucuronidation potential resulted in a greater confidence level in the projection of a low dose for achieving targeted efficacious exposures in humans. Consistent with these projections, PK data from a phase 1 trial confirmed that targeted efficacious exposures could be achieved at a low dose in humans, which supported compound 12 as our second and potentially superior development candidate for the treatment of various metabolic disorders.

Nanostructured boron agents for boron neutron capture therapy: a review of recent patents.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a potential radiation therapy modality for cancer, and tumor-targeted stable boron-10 (10B) delivery agents are an important component of BNCT. Currently, two low-molecular-weight boron-containing compounds, sodium mercaptoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate (BSH) and boronophenylalanine (BPA), are mainly used in BNCT. Although both have suboptimal tumor selectivity, they have shown some therapeutic benefit in patients with high-grade glioma and several other tumors. To improve the efficacy of BNCT, great efforts have been devoted for the development of new boron delivery agents with better uptake and favorable pharmacokinetic profiles. This article reviews the application and research progress of boron nanomaterials as boron carriers in boron neutron capture therapy and hopes to stimulate people's interest in nanomaterial-based delivery agents by summarizing various kinds of boron nanomaterial patents disclosed in the past decade.

Urgent need for the introduction of Tenecteplase in Pakistan: A Call to action for improved stroke and Mi Care.

Madam, Tenecteplase is a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) that is used in many countries worldwide for reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and STEMI because of its longer half-life and high fibrin specificity compared to other tPAs (e.g., alteplase) and Streptokinase.1 Tenecteplase binds with fibrin-rich clots using its fibronectin finger-like and kringle-2 domains. The binding allows the protease domain to cleave the Arg/Val bond, converting plasminogen into plasmin, which breaks the fibrin matrix of the thrombus, resulting in clot dissolution. While Stroke and MI remain in the top 5 leading causes of death in Pakistan2, this highly efficient thrombolytic agent is not yet accessible in most hospitals for reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction cases. Many studies offer promising results, with tenecteplase being a better thrombolytic agent for acute ischemic stroke and STEMI than alteplase. In India, studies declare tenecteplase effective and safe in STEMI patients with clinically successful thrombolysis reported in 80.67% of patients, while intracranial hemorrhage associated with tenecteplase was only 0.39%.3 Tenecteplase is more efficient and at least as safe as alteplase for acute ischemic stroke. According to a meta-analysis involving 2031 patients, the patients given Tenecteplase showed higher recanalization rates (ARD=0.11, 95%CI) and early neurological improvement (ARD=0.10, 95% CI) compared to patients given alteplase.4 Tenecteplase also has a lower cost and a more favorable pharmacokinetic profile allowing bolus injection. Regrettably, Tenecteplase is not yet accessible in Pakistan due to unclear political and administrative factors, and border restrictions. Studies claim that only six hospitals in Pakistan currently offer intravenous thrombolytic therapy with alteplase, all being private tertiary care hospitals.5 While the world is adopting Tenecteplase instead of alteplase because of its better results, a more favourable side effects profile, and lower cost, our healthcare system is still dependent on SK for IV thrombolysis in cases of STEMI, which too is sometimes not available in many hospitals. In light of available evidence suggesting Tenecteplase as a better alternative to alteplase and Streptokinase, the health government and hospital policymakers should consider introducing tenecteplase in Pakistan as the standard care for STEMI, New Onset LBBB (Left Bundle Branch Block), Acute Ischemic Stroke, Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, and Deep Venous Thrombosis.

Virtual Design of Novel Coumarinyl-Substituted Sulfonamide Inhibitors of Carbonic Anhydrase II as Potential Drugs against Glaucoma

Background: We have carried out virtual design of coumarinyl-substituted sulfonamides (CSAM) analogs as inhibitors of human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) endowed with favorable predicted pharmacokinetic profiles and potential therapeutic effects against glaucoma.
 Methods: modifying in situ the x-ray structure of 2-(7-methoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)-N-(4-sulfamoyl-phenyl)-acetamide (CSAM0)-hCA II complex (PDB entry 3ML2), permitted 3D models of hCA II-CSAMx complexes preparation for a TS of 14 CSAMs the experimental activities of which are available in the literature (IC50exp). Active bound conformation of the CSAM1-14 assessment led to linear correlation between computed enthalpy of hCA II-CSAMx complexes formation in gas phase (ΔΔHMM) with the IC50exp. Moreover, considering the solvation and ligand loss of entropy upon binding led to a superior QSAR model where a better linear correlation is established between calculated GFE (ΔΔGcom) and IC50exp. The successive 3D-pharmacophore (PH4) built from CSAMs active conformations helped to virtually screen CSAM populating a sulfonamides scaffolds virtual combinatorial library (VCL), focused by Lipinski’s rule-of-five to reach novel CSAMs.
 Results: Enthalpy QSAR model: pIC50exp = -0.068×ΔΔHMM + 7.722, R2 = 0.82; GFE QSAR model: pIC50exp = - 0.061× ΔΔGcom + 7.647, R2 = 0.92 and PH4 model: pIC50exp = 1.095×pIC50pre – 0.680, R2 = 0.87. The VCL of more than 1,500,625 CSAMs was lowered to 865,670 drug likely compounds by the Lipinski’s rule (except the restriction Mw ≤ 500 g/mol). The three-point PH4-based screening identified 81 novel CSAMs with predicted IC50pre reaching 78-times better than CSAM1 potency (IC50exp = 23 nM). Computed pharmacokinetic profile of the new candidates showed enhanced cell membrane permeability and high human oral absorption compared to current anti-glaucoma agents.
 Conclusions: Combination of QSAR models of the CSAMs’ affinity to the hCA II, pharmacophore model, and ADME profile guided to the sulfonamides inhibitors identification and helped to in silico screen VCL sulfonamides scaffold bearing analogs and allowed emerging of novel more potent compounds with predicted IC50 and favorable pharmacokinetic profiles.

Phase I dose escalation and expansion study of golidocitinib, a highly selective JAK1 inhibitor, in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphomas (r/r PTCLs) are a group of rare and aggressive diseases that lack effective therapies. Constitutive activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is reported to be associated with PTCLs. Golidocitinib is an oral, potent JAK1 selective inhibitor evaluated in a phase I/II multinational study in patients with r/r PTCLs. Patients with r/r PTCLs were eligible. The primary objectives were to assess safety and tolerability of golidocitinib and to define its recommended phase II dose (RP2D). The secondary objectives were to evaluate its antitumor activity and pharmacokinetics (PK). A total of 51 patients were enrolled and received golidocitinib treatment at 150 or 250 mg once daily (QD). The median prior lines of therapies were 2 (range: 1-8). Golidocitinib was tolerated at both doses tested, while a higher incidence of serious adverse events and dose modifications at 250 mg were observed. The most common grade ≥3 drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (27.5%) and thrombocytopenia (11.8%). An objective response rate of 39.2% and a complete response rate of 21.6% were observed. With median follow-up time of 14.7 and 15.9 months, the median duration of response (DoR) and progression-free survival were 8.0 and 3.3 months, respectively. Based on these data, 150 mg QD was defined as the RP2D. Golidocitinib demonstrated a favorable PK profile as an oral agent. Biomarker analysis suggested a potential correlation between JAK/STAT pathway aberrations and clinical activity of golidocitinib. In this phase I study, golidocitinib demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and encouraging antitumor efficacy in heavily pretreated patients with r/r PTCLs. These results support the initiation of the multinational pivotal study in patients with r/r PTCLs.

Inhibition of Hypoxia-Inducible Transcription Factor (HIF-1α) Signaling with Sulfonyl-γ-AApeptide Helices.

The development of inhibitors that selectively block protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is crucial for chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and biomedical sciences. Herein, we reported the design, synthesis, and investigation of sulfonyl-γ-AApeptide as an alternative strategy of canonical peptide-based inhibitors to disrupt hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and p300 PPI by mimicking the helical domain of HIF-1α involved in the binding to p300. The designed molecules recognized the p300 protein with high affinity and potently inhibited the hypoxia-inducible signaling pathway. Gene expression profiling supported the idea that the lead molecules selectively inhibited hypoxia-inducible genes involved in the signaling cascade. Our studies also demonstrated that both helical faces consisting of either chiral side chains or achiral sulfonyl side chains of sulfonyl-γ-AApeptides could be adopted for mimicry of the α-helix engaging in PPIs. Furthermore, these sulfonyl-γ-AApeptides were cell-permeable and exhibited favorable stability and pharmacokinetic profiles. Our results could inspire the design of helical sulfonyl-γ-AApeptides as a general strategy to mimic the protein helical domain and modulate many other PPIs.

Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles as a Carrier of 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol via Intramuscular Injection to Alleviate Cyclophosphamide-Induced Myelosuppression.

Myelosuppression is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening side effect during chemotherapy. As the main active component of ginseng, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) is capable of relieving myelosuppression by restoring hematopoiesis and immunity. In this study, PPD was encapsulated in human albumin nanoparticles (PPD-HSA NPs) by nanoparticle albumin-bound (Nab) technology for intramuscular injection to optimize its pharmacokinetic properties and promote recovery of myelosuppression. The prepared PPD-HSA NPs had a particle size of about 280 nm with a narrow size distribution. PPD dispersed as an amorphous state within the PPD-HSA NPs, and the NPs exhibited in vitro sustained release behavior. PPD-HSA NPs showed a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with high absolute bioavailability, probably due to the fact that NPs entered into the blood circulation via lymphatic circulation and were eliminated slowly. In vivo distribution experiments demonstrated that PPD-HSA NPs were mainly distributed in the liver and spleen, but a strong fluorescence signal was also found in the inguinal lymph node, indicating drug absorption via a lymph route. The myelosuppressive model was established using cyclophosphamide as the inducer. Pharmacodynamic studies confirmed that PPD-HSA NPs were effective in promoting the level of white blood cells. Moreover, the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the PPD-HSA NPs group compared with the control group. This preliminary investigation revealed that PPD-HSA NPs via intramuscular administration may be an effective intervention strategy to alleviate myelosuppression.

Design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationship of a bicyclic HBV capsid assembly modulator chemotype leading to the identification of clinical candidate AB-506

Disruption of the HBV capsid assembly process through small-molecule interaction with HBV core protein is a validated target for the suppression of hepatitis B viral replication and the development of new antivirals. Through combination of key structural features associated with two distinct series of capsid assembly modulators, a novel aminochroman-based chemotype was identified. Optimization of anti-HBV potency through generation of SAR in addition to further core modifications provided a series of related functionalized aminoindanes. Key compounds demonstrated excellent cellular potency in addition to favorable ADME and pharmacokinetic profiles and were shown to be highly efficacious in a mouse model of HBV replication. Aminoindane derivative AB-506 was subsequently advanced into clinical development.

A randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate safety and pharmacokinetics of ART-001 with a novel oral pediatric formulation in healthy subjects.

ART-001 is an orally available selective PI3Kα inhibitor currently being developed for the treatment of slow-flow vascular malformations (SFVMs). ART-001 used to be developed for advanced solid tumors, but was suspended largely due to significant pharmacokinetic (PK) variability in its phase I studies. This phase I, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study evaluated safety, tolerability and PK of ART-001 with a newly developed dry syrup formulation, which was designed to optimize PK properties of ART-001 and to be compliant with the pediatric population. Single and multiple doses of ART-001 were administered to healthy male adults. ART-001 was rapidly absorbed after the single and repeated doses, and the exposure of ART-001 increased with increased dose. The dry syrup formulation substantially improved the intersubject PK variability. Food decreased area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration by 12% and 36%, respectively. The plasma concentration had reached a steady-state on day 5 of the repeated doses of 100 mg and AUC accumulation ratio was 1.9. There were no deaths or serious adverse events. The most frequent adverse event was hyperglycemia. All cases of hyperglycemia were mild to moderate and transient, and required no medical interventions. Serum creatinine increase was observed in 300 mg once daily dosing group leading to dose discontinuation on day 5. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the single doses and repeated doses of the ART-001 dry syrup formulation, at up to 400 and 100 mg, respectively, were safe and tolerated with favorable PK profile, supporting further clinical development for the treatment of SFVMs.

Identification of potential Escherichia coli DNA gyrase B inhibitors targeting antibacterial therapy: an integrated docking and molecular dynamics simulation study.

The alarming rise in the rate of antibiotic resistance is a matter of significant concern. DNA gyrase B (GyrB), a critical bacterial enzyme involved in DNA replication, transcription, and recombination, has emerged as a promising target for antibacterial agents. Inhibition of GyrB disrupts bacterial DNA replication, leading to cell death, making it an attractive candidate for antibiotic development. Although several classes of antibiotics targeting GyrB are currently in clinical use, the emergence of antibiotic resistance necessitates the exploration of novel inhibitors. In this study, we aimed to identify potential Escherichia coli GyrB inhibitors from a database of phytoconstituents sourced from Indian medicinal plants. Utilizing virtual screening, we performed a rigorous search to identify compounds with the most promising inhibitory properties against GyrB. Two compounds, namely Zizogenin and Cucurbitacin S, were identified based on their favorable drug likeliness and pharmacokinetic profiles. Employing advanced computational techniques, we analyzed the binding interactions of Zizogenin and Cucurbitacin S with the ATP-binding site of GyrB through molecular docking simulations. Both compounds exhibited robust binding interactions, evidenced by their high docking energy scores. To assess the stability of these interactions, we conducted extensive 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which confirmed the stability of Zizogenin and Cucurbitacin S when bound to GyrB. In conclusion, our study highlights Zizogenin and Cucurbitacin S as promising candidates for potential antibacterial agents targeting GyrB. Experimental validation of these compounds is warranted to further explore their efficacy and potential as novel antibiotics to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Anlotinib in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter Phase Ⅱ Trial.

Though anti-angiogenic agents are the bedrock of treatment for radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma (RAIR-DTC), novel anti-angiogenic agents with optimized features like greater target binding affinities and more favorable pharmacokinetics profile are needed. This phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the efficacy and safety of anlotinib, a multikinase inhibitor, for RAIR-DTC. Patients (aged between 18 and 70 years) with pathologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic RAIR-DTC were enrolled and randomly received 12 mg anlotinib once daily or placebo on day 1 to 14 every 3 weeks. Patients on placebo were allowed to receive open label anlotinib after disease progression. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. The secondary endpoints included overall survival and safety. Between September 2015 and August 2018, 76 and 37 patients randomly received anlotinib and placebo, respectively. Patients receiving anlotinib had a significantly longer median progression-free survival (40.5 months, 95% CI 28.3-NE vs. placebo 8.4 months, 95% CI, 5.6-13.8; HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.12-0.37, P<0.001), meeting the primary endpoint. Overall survival was still immature, with a trend of benefit with anlotinib (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.29-1.12). All patients in the anlotinib group experienced adverse events; 8 (10.5%) discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Anlotinib demonstrated promising efficacy and favorable tolerance in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic RAIR-DTC, supporting further research to establish its role in the treatment of this serious disease.