Discovery of SARxxxx92, a pan-PIM kinase inhibitor, efficacious in a KG1 tumor model.

N-substituted azaindoles were discovered as potent pan-PIM inhibitors. Lead optimization, guided by structure and focused on physico-chemical properties allowed us to solve inherent hERG and permeability liabilities, and provided compound 27, which subsequently impacted KG-1 tumor growth in a mouse model.

Discovery of N-substituted 7-azaindoles as Pan-PIM kinases inhibitors - Lead optimization - Part III.

N-substituted azaindoles were discovered as promising pan-PIM inhibitors. Lead optimization is described en route toward the identification of a clinical candidate. Modulation of physico-chemical properties allowed to solve inherent hERG and permeability liabilities. Compound 17 showed tumor growth inhibition in a KG1 tumor-bearing mouse model.

Discovery of N-substituted 7-azaindoles as Pan-PIM kinase inhibitors - Lead series identification - Part II.

N-Substituted azaindoles have been discovered as pan-PIM kinase inhibitors. Initial SAR, early ADME and PK/PD data of a series of compounds is described and led to the identification of promising pan-PIM inhibitors which validated our interest in the 7-azaindole scaffold and led us to pursue the identification of a clinical candidate.

Design, synthesis, and biological activity of potent and selective inhibitors of mast cell tryptase.

A new series of novel mast cell tryptase inhibitors is reported, which features the use of an indole structure as the hydrophobic substituent on a m-benzylaminepiperidine template. The best members of this series display good in vitro activity and excellent selectivity against other serine proteases.

Structure based design of 4-(3-aminomethylphenyl)piperidinyl-1-amides: novel, potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitors of betaII tryptase.

Tryptase is a serine protease found almost exclusively in mast cells. It has trypsin-like specificity, favoring cleavage of substrates with an arginine (or lysine) at the P1 position, and has optimal catalytic activity at neutral pH. Current evidence suggests tryptase beta is the most important form released during mast cell activation in allergic diseases. It is shown to have numerous pro-inflammatory cellular activities in vitro, and in animal models tryptase provokes broncho-constriction and induces a cellular inflammatory infiltrate characteristic of human asthma. Screening of in-house inhibitors of factor Xa (a closely related serine protease) identified beta-amidoester benzamidines as potent inhibitors of recombinant human betaII tryptase. X-ray structure driven template modification and exchange of the benzamidine to optimize potency and pharmacokinetic properties gave selective, potent and orally bioavailable 4-(3-aminomethyl phenyl)piperidinyl-1-amides.

Optimization of the beta-aminoester class of factor Xa inhibitors. Part 1: P(4) and side-chain modifications for improved in vitro potency.

A systematic modification of the C(3) side-chain of the beta-aminoester class of factor Xa inhibitors and a survey of P(4) variations is described. These changes have resulted in the identification of sub-nanomolar inhibitors with improved selectivity versus related proteases. Coagulation parameters (i.e., APTT doubling concentrations) are also improved.

Optimization of the beta-aminoester class of factor Xa inhibitors. Part 2: Identification of FXV673 as a potent and selective inhibitor with excellent In vivo anticoagulant activity.

Further optimization of the beta-aminoester class of factor Xa (fXa) inhibitors is described culminating in the identification of 9c (FXV673), a potent and selective factor Xa inhibitor with excellent in vivo anticoagulant activity. An X-ray structure of FXV673 bound to human fXa is also presented. Based on its selectivity, potent in vivo activity and favorable pre-clinical safety profile, FXV673 was selected for further development and is currently undergoing clinical trials.