The SOS1 Inhibitor MRTX0902 Blocks KRAS Activation and Demonstrates Antitumor Activity in Cancers Dependent on KRAS Nucleotide Loading.

KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancer and facilitates uncontrolled growth through hyperactivation of the RTK/MAPK pathway. The Son of Sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1) protein functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the RAS subfamily of small GTPases and represents a druggable target in the pathway. Using a structure-based drug discovery approach, MRTX0902 was identified as a selective and potent SOS1 inhibitor that disrupts the KRAS:SOS1 protein-protein interaction to prevent SOS1-mediated nucleotide exchange on KRAS and translates into an anti-proliferative effect in cancer cell lines with genetic alterations of the KRAS-MAPK pathway. MRTX0902 augmented the antitumor activity of the KRAS G12C inhibitor adagrasib when dosed in combination in eight out of twelve KRAS G12C-mutant human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) xenograft models. Pharmacogenomic profiling in preclinical models identified cell cycle genes and the SOS2 homolog as genetic co-dependencies and implicated tumor suppressor genes (NF1, PTEN) in resistance following combination treatment. Lastly, combined vertical inhibition of RTK/MAPK pathway signaling by MRTX0902 with inhibitors of EGFR or RAF/MEK led to greater downregulation of pathway signaling and improved antitumor responses in KRAS-MAPK pathway-mutant models. These studies demonstrate the potential clinical application of dual inhibition of SOS1 and KRAS G12C and additional SOS1 combination strategies that will aide in the understanding of SOS1 and RTK/MAPK biology in targeted cancer therapy.

Discovery of Pyridopyrimidinones that Selectively Inhibit the H1047R PI3Kα Mutant Protein.

The H1047R mutation of PIK3CA is highly prevalent in breast cancers and other solid tumors. Selectively targeting PI3KαH1047R over PI3KαWT is crucial due to the role that PI3KαWT plays in normal cellular processes, including glucose homeostasis. Currently, only one PI3KαH1047R-selective inhibitor has progressed into clinical trials, while three pan mutant (H1047R, H1047L, H1047Y, E542K, and E545K) selective PI3Kα inhibitors have also reached the clinical stage. Herein, we report the design and discovery of a series of pyridopyrimidinones that inhibit PI3KαH1047R with high selectivity over PI3KαWT, resulting in the discovery of compound 17. When dosed in the HCC1954 tumor model in mice, 17 provided tumor regressions and a clear pharmacodynamic response. X-ray cocrystal structures from several PI3Kα inhibitors were obtained, revealing three distinct binding modes within PI3KαH1047R including a previously reported cryptic pocket in the C-terminus of the kinase domain wherein we observe a ligand-induced interaction with Arg1047.

Phase II study investigating the efficacy and safety of glesatinib (MGCD265) in patients with advanced NSCLC containing MET activating alterations.

OBJECTIVES: Dysregulated signaling by mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (MET) and heightened AXL activation are implicated in the pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Glesatinib (MGCD265) is an investigational, oral inhibitor of MET and AXL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This open-label, Phase II study investigated glesatinib (free-base suspension [FBS] capsule 1050 mg BID or spray-dried dispersion [SDD] tablet 750 mg BID) in patients with advanced, previously treated NSCLC across four cohorts grouped according to presence of MET activating mutations or amplification in tumor or ctDNA. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were enrolled: n = 28 and n = 8 with MET exon 14 skipping mutations in tumor tissue and ctDNA, respectively, and n = 20 and n = 12 with MET gene amplification in tumor tissue and ctDNA, respectively. Overall, ORR was 11.8 %, median progression-free survival was 4.0 months, and median overall survival was 7.0 months. Among patients with MET activating mutations, ORR was 10.7 % with tumor testing and 25.0 % with ctDNA testing. For MET amplification, responses were observed only in patients enrolled by tumor testing (ORR 15.0 %). Diarrhea (82.4 %), nausea (50.0 %), increased alanine aminotransferase (41.2 %), fatigue (38.2 %), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (36.8 %) were the most frequent adverse events assessed as related to study medication. Glesatinib exposure was similar with the SDD tablet and FBS capsule formulations. The study was terminated early by the sponsor due to modest clinical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Glesatinib had an acceptable safety profile in patients with advanced, pre-treated NSCLC with MET activating alterations. Modest clinical activity was observed, which likely reflects suboptimal drug bioavailability suggested by previously reported Phase I data, and pharmacodynamic findings of lower than anticipated increases in circulating soluble shed MET ectodomain (s-MET).

Adeno-to-squamous transition drives resistance to KRAS inhibition in LKB1 mutant lung cancer.

KRASG12C inhibitors (adagrasib and sotorasib) have shown clinical promise in targeting KRASG12C-mutated lung cancers; however, most patients eventually develop resistance. In lung patients with adenocarcinoma with KRASG12C and STK11/LKB1 co-mutations, we find an enrichment of the squamous cell carcinoma gene signature in pre-treatment biopsies correlates with a poor response to adagrasib. Studies of Lkb1-deficient KRASG12C and KrasG12D lung cancer mouse models and organoids treated with KRAS inhibitors reveal tumors invoke a lineage plasticity program, adeno-to-squamous transition (AST), that enables resistance to KRAS inhibition. Transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses reveal ΔNp63 drives AST and modulates response to KRAS inhibition. We identify an intermediate high-plastic cell state marked by expression of an AST plasticity signature and Krt6a. Notably, expression of the AST plasticity signature and KRT6A at baseline correlates with poor adagrasib responses. These data indicate the role of AST in KRAS inhibitor resistance and provide predictive biomarkers for KRAS-targeted therapies in lung cancer.

Photoluminescence from Two-Phase Nanocomposites Embedded in Polymers.

A set of polymer-embedded, two-colored nanocomposites were prepared where the co-existing emission peaks (~578 nm and ~650 nm) had different ratios at their emission thresholds. The nanocomposite samples were simultaneously excited by a 405 nm laser, and the growth of photoluminescence intensities was studied as a function of excitation intensity. The two peaks showed different growth evolution mechanisms. The factors impacting this difference could be (1) energy transfer between the two sized nanoparticles; (2) relaxation mechanism of smaller nanoparticles; and (3) material properties of the polymer.

Alveolar Differentiation Drives Resistance to KRAS Inhibition in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), commonly driven by KRAS mutations, is responsible for 7% of all cancer mortality. The first allele-specific KRAS inhibitors were recently approved in LUAD, but the clinical benefit is limited by intrinsic and acquired resistance. LUAD predominantly arises from alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, which function as facultative alveolar stem cells by self-renewing and replacing alveolar type 1 (AT1) cells. Using genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenografts, and patient samples, we found inhibition of KRAS promotes transition to a quiescent AT1-like cancer cell state in LUAD tumors. Similarly, suppressing Kras induced AT1 differentiation of wild-type AT2 cells upon lung injury. The AT1-like LUAD cells exhibited high growth and differentiation potential upon treatment cessation, whereas ablation of the AT1-like cells robustly improved treatment response to KRAS inhibitors. Our results uncover an unexpected role for KRAS in promoting intratumoral heterogeneity and suggest that targeting alveolar differentiation may augment KRAS-targeted therapies in LUAD. SIGNIFICANCE: Treatment resistance limits response to KRAS inhibitors in LUAD patients. We find LUAD residual disease following KRAS targeting is composed of AT1-like cancer cells with the capacity to reignite tumorigenesis. Targeting the AT1-like cells augments responses to KRAS inhibition, elucidating a therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance to KRAS-targeted therapy. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 201.

Discovery of Five SOS2 Fragment Hits with Binding Modes Determined by SOS2 X-Ray Cocrystallography.

SOS1 and SOS2 are guanine nucleotide exchange factors that mediate RTK-stimulated RAS activation. Selective SOS1:KRAS PPI inhibitors are currently under clinical investigation, whereas there are no reports to date of SOS2:KRAS PPI inhibitors. SOS2 activity is implicated in MAPK rebound when divergent SOS1 mutant cell lines are treated with the SOS1 inhibitor BI-3406; therefore, SOS2:KRAS inhibitors are of therapeutic interest. In this report, we detail a fragment-based screening strategy to identify X-ray cocrystal structures of five diverse fragment hits bound to SOS2.

TEAD Inhibition Overcomes YAP1/TAZ-Driven Primary and Acquired Resistance to KRASG12C Inhibitors.

Primary/intrinsic and treatment-induced acquired resistance limit the initial response rate to and long-term efficacy of direct inhibitors of the KRASG12C mutant in cancer. To identify potential mechanisms of resistance, we applied a CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function screen and observed loss of multiple components of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway, which acts to suppress YAP1/TAZ-regulated gene transcription. YAP1/TAZ activation impaired the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of KRASG12C inhibitor (G12Ci) treatment in KRASG12C-mutant cancer cell lines. Conversely, genetic suppression of YAP1/WWTR1 (TAZ) enhanced G12Ci sensitivity. YAP1/TAZ activity overcame KRAS dependency through two distinct TEAD transcription factor-dependent mechanisms, which phenocopy KRAS effector signaling. First, TEAD stimulated ERK-independent transcription of genes normally regulated by ERK (BIRC5, CDC20, ECT2, FOSL1, and MYC) to promote progression through the cell cycle. Second, TEAD caused activation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling to overcome apoptosis. G12Ci treatment-induced acquired resistance was also caused by YAP1/TAZ-TEAD activation. Accordingly, concurrent treatment with pharmacologic inhibitors of TEAD synergistically enhanced KRASG12C inhibitor antitumor activity in vitro and prolonged tumor suppression in vivo. In summary, these observations reveal YAP1/TAZ-TEAD signaling as a crucial driver of primary and acquired resistance to KRAS inhibition and support the use of TEAD inhibitors to enhance the antitumor efficacy of KRAS-targeted therapies. SIGNIFICANCE: YAP1/TAZ-TEAD activation compensates for loss of KRAS effector signaling, establishing a mechanistic basis for concurrent inhibition of TEAD to enhance the efficacy of KRASG12C-selective inhibitor treatment of KRASG12C-mutant cancers. See related commentary by Johnson and Haigis, p. 4005.

Alveolar differentiation drives resistance to KRAS inhibition in lung adenocarcinoma.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), commonly driven by KRAS mutations, is responsible for 7% of all cancer mortality. The first allele-specific KRAS inhibitors were recently approved in LUAD, but clinical benefit is limited by intrinsic and acquired resistance. LUAD predominantly arises from alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, which function as facultative alveolar stem cells by self-renewing and replacing alveolar type 1 (AT1) cells. Using genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenografts, and patient samples we found inhibition of KRAS promotes transition to a quiescent AT1-like cancer cell state in LUAD tumors. Similarly, suppressing Kras induced AT1 differentiation of wild-type AT2 cells upon lung injury. The AT1-like LUAD cells exhibited high growth and differentiation potential upon treatment cessation, whereas ablation of the AT1-like cells robustly improved treatment response to KRAS inhibitors. Our results uncover an unexpected role for KRAS in promoting intra-tumoral heterogeneity and suggest targeting alveolar differentiation may augment KRAS-targeted therapies in LUAD. Significance: Treatment resistance limits response to KRAS inhibitors in LUAD patients. We find LUAD residual disease following KRAS targeting is composed of AT1-like cancer cells with the capacity to reignite tumorigenesis. Targeting the AT1-like cells augments responses to KRAS inhibition, elucidating a therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance to KRAS-targeted therapy.

Genome-Wide CRISPR Screens Identify Multiple Synthetic Lethal Targets That Enhance KRASG12C Inhibitor Efficacy.

Non-small lung cancers (NSCLC) frequently (∼30%) harbor KRAS driver mutations, half of which are KRASG12C. KRAS-mutant NSCLC with comutated STK11 and/or KEAP1 is particularly refractory to conventional, targeted, and immune therapy. Development of KRASG12C inhibitors (G12Ci) provided a major therapeutic advance, but resistance still limits their efficacy. To identify genes whose deletion augments efficacy of the G12Cis adagrasib (MRTX-849) or adagrasib plus TNO155 (SHP2i), we performed genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens on KRAS/STK11-mutant NSCLC lines. Recurrent, potentially targetable, synthetic lethal (SL) genes were identified, including serine-threonine kinases, tRNA-modifying and proteoglycan synthesis enzymes, and YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway components. Several SL genes were confirmed by siRNA/shRNA experiments, and the YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway was extensively validated in vitro and in mice. Mechanistic studies showed that G12Ci treatment induced gene expression of RHO paralogs and activators, increased RHOA activation, and evoked ROCK-dependent nuclear translocation of YAP. Mice and patients with acquired G12Ci- or G12Ci/SHP2i-resistant tumors showed strong overlap with SL pathways, arguing for the relevance of the screen results. These findings provide a landscape of potential targets for future combination strategies, some of which can be tested rapidly in the clinic. SIGNIFICANCE: Identification of synthetic lethal genes with KRASG12C using genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening and credentialing of the ability of TEAD inhibition to enhance KRASG12C efficacy provides a roadmap for combination strategies. See related commentary by Johnson and Haigis, p. 4005.

MRTX1719 Is an MTA-Cooperative PRMT5 Inhibitor That Exhibits Synthetic Lethality in Preclinical Models and Patients with MTAP-Deleted Cancer.

Previous studies implicated protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) as a synthetic lethal target for MTAP-deleted (MTAP del) cancers; however, the pharmacologic characterization of small-molecule inhibitors that recapitulate the synthetic lethal phenotype has not been described. MRTX1719 selectively inhibited PRMT5 in the presence of MTA, which is elevated in MTAP del cancers, and inhibited PRMT5-dependent activity and cell viability with >70-fold selecti-vity in HCT116 MTAP del compared with HCT116 MTAP wild-type (WT) cells. MRTX1719 demonstrated dose-dependent antitumor activity and inhibition of PRMT5-dependent SDMA modification in MTAP del tumors. In contrast, MRTX1719 demonstrated minimal effects on SDMA and viability in MTAP WT tumor xenografts or hematopoietic cells. MRTX1719 demonstrated marked antitumor activity across a panel of xenograft models at well-tolerated doses. Early signs of clinical activity were observed including objective responses in patients with MTAP del melanoma, gallbladder adenocarcinoma, mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors from the phase I/II study. SIGNIFICANCE: PRMT5 was identified as a synthetic lethal target for MTAP del cancers; however, previous PRMT5 inhibitors do not selectively target this genotype. The differentiated binding mode of MRTX1719 leverages the elevated MTA in MTAP del cancers and represents a promising therapy for the ∼10% of patients with cancer with this biomarker. See related commentary by Mulvaney, p. 2310. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2293.

Early Changes in Circulating Cell-Free KRAS G12C Predict Response to Adagrasib in KRAS Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

PURPOSE: Non-invasive monitoring of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has the potential to be a readily available measure for early prediction of clinical response. Here, we report on early ctDNA changes of KRAS G12C in a Phase 2 trial of adagrasib in patients with advanced, KRAS G12C-mutant lung cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We performed serial droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and plasma NGS on 60 KRAS G12C-mutant patients with lung cancer that participated in cohort A of the KRYSTAL-1 clinical trial. We analyzed the change in ctDNA at 2 specific intervals: Between cycles 1 and 2 and at cycle 4. Changes in ctDNA were compared with clinical and radiographic response. RESULTS: We found that, in general, a maximal response in KRAS G12C ctDNA levels could be observed during the initial approximately 3-week treatment period, well before the first scan at approximately 6 weeks. 35 patients (89.7%) exhibited a decrease in KRAS G12C cfDNA >90% and 33 patients (84.6%) achieved complete clearance by cycle 2. Patients with complete ctDNA clearance at cycle 2 showed an improved objective response rate (ORR) compared with patients with incomplete ctDNA clearance (60.6% vs. 33.3%). Furthermore, complete ctDNA clearance at cycle 4 was associated with an improved overall survival (14.7 vs. 5.4 months) and progression-free survival (HR, 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: These results support using early plasma response of KRAS G12C assessed at approximately 3 weeks to anticipate the likelihood of a favorable objective clinical response.

Intracranial Efficacy of Adagrasib in Patients From the KRYSTAL-1 Trial With KRASG12C-Mutated Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Who Have Untreated CNS Metastases.

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.Patients with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS)-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and untreated CNS metastases have a worse prognosis than similar patients without KRAS mutations. Adagrasib has previously demonstrated CNS penetration preclinically and cerebral spinal fluid penetration clinically. We evaluated adagrasib in patients with KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC and untreated CNS metastases from the KRYSTAL-1 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03785249; phase Ib cohort), in which adagrasib 600 mg was administered orally, twice daily. Study outcomes included the safety and clinical activity (intracranial [IC] and systemic) by blinded independent central review. Twenty-five patients with KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC and untreated CNS metastases were enrolled and evaluated (median follow-up, 13.7 months); 19 patients were radiographically evaluable for IC activity. Safety was consistent with previous reports of adagrasib, with grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) in 10 patients (40%) and one grade 4 (4%) and no grade 5 TRAEs. The most common CNS-specific TRAEs included dysgeusia (24%) and dizziness (20%). Adagrasib demonstrated an IC objective response rate of 42%, disease control rate of 90%, progression-free survival of 5.4 months, and median overall survival of 11.4 months. Adagrasib is the first KRASG12C inhibitor to prospectively demonstrate IC activity in patients with KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC and untreated CNS metastases, supporting further investigation in this population.

Adagrasib with or without Cetuximab in Colorectal Cancer with Mutated KRAS G12C.

BACKGROUND: Adagrasib, an oral small-molecule inhibitor of mutant KRAS G12C protein, has shown clinical activity in pretreated patients with several tumor types, including colorectal cancer. Preclinical studies suggest that combining a KRAS G12C inhibitor with an epidermal growth factor receptor antibody could be an effective clinical strategy. METHODS: In this phase 1-2, open-label, nonrandomized clinical trial, we assigned heavily pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with mutant KRAS G12C to receive adagrasib monotherapy (600 mg orally twice daily) or adagrasib (at the same dose) in combination with intravenous cetuximab once a week (with an initial loading dose of 400 mg per square meter of body-surface area, followed by a dose of 250 mg per square meter) or every 2 weeks (with a dose of 500 mg per square meter). The primary end points were objective response (complete or partial response) and safety. RESULTS: As of June 16, 2022, a total of 44 patients had received adagrasib, and 32 had received combination therapy with adagrasib and cetuximab, with a median follow-up of 20.1 months and 17.5 months, respectively. In the monotherapy group (43 evaluable patients), a response was reported in 19% of the patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 8 to 33). The median response duration was 4.3 months (95% CI, 2.3 to 8.3), and the median progression-free survival was 5.6 months (95% CI, 4.1 to 8.3). In the combination-therapy group (28 evaluable patients), the response was 46% (95% CI, 28 to 66). The median response duration was 7.6 months (95% CI, 5.7 to not estimable), and the median progression-free survival was 6.9 months (95% CI, 5.4 to 8.1). The percentage of grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events was 34% in the monotherapy group and 16% in the combination-therapy group. No grade 5 adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Adagrasib had antitumor activity in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with mutant KRAS G12C, both as oral monotherapy and in combination with cetuximab. The median response duration was more than 6 months in the combination-therapy group. Reversible adverse events were common in the two groups. (Funded by Mirati Therapeutics; KRYSTAL-1 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03785249.).

Molecular Characterization of Acquired Resistance to KRASG12C-EGFR Inhibition in Colorectal Cancer.

With the combination of KRASG12C and EGFR inhibitors, KRAS is becoming a druggable target in colorectal cancer. However, secondary resistance limits its efficacy. Using cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, and patient samples, we detected a heterogeneous pattern of putative resistance alterations expected primarily to prevent inhibition of ERK signaling by drugs at progression. Serial analysis of patient blood samples on treatment demonstrates that most of these alterations are detected at a low frequency except for KRASG12C amplification, a recurrent resistance mechanism that rises in step with clinical progression. Upon drug withdrawal, resistant cells with KRASG12C amplification undergo oncogene-induced senescence, and progressing patients experience a rapid fall in levels of this alteration in circulating DNA. In this new state, drug resumption is ineffective as mTOR signaling is elevated. However, our work exposes a potential therapeutic vulnerability, whereby therapies that target the senescence response may overcome acquired resistance. SIGNIFICANCE: Clinical resistance to KRASG12C-EGFR inhibition primarily prevents suppression of ERK signaling. Most resistance mechanisms are subclonal, whereas KRASG12C amplification rises over time to drive a higher portion of resistance. This recurrent resistance mechanism leads to oncogene-induced senescence upon drug withdrawal and creates a potential vulnerability to senolytic approaches. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.

Efficacy of a Small-Molecule Inhibitor of KrasG12D in Immunocompetent Models of Pancreatic Cancer.

Mutations in the KRAS oncogene are found in more than 90% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with Gly-to-Asp mutations (KRASG12D) being the most common. Here, we tested the efficacy of a small-molecule KRASG12D inhibitor, MRTX1133, in implantable and autochthonous PDAC models with an intact immune system. In vitro studies validated the specificity and potency of MRTX1133. In vivo, MRTX1133 prompted deep tumor regressions in all models tested, including complete or near-complete remissions after 14 days. Concomitant with tumor cell apoptosis and proliferative arrest, drug treatment led to marked shifts in the tumor microenvironment (TME), including changes in fibroblasts, matrix, and macrophages. T cells were necessary for MRTX1133's full antitumor effect, and T-cell depletion accelerated tumor regrowth after therapy. These results validate the specificity, potency, and efficacy of MRTX1133 in immunocompetent KRASG12D-mutant PDAC models, providing a rationale for clinical testing and a platform for further investigation of combination therapies. SIGNIFICANCE: Pharmacologic inhibition of KRASG12D in pancreatic cancer models with an intact immune system stimulates specific, potent, and durable tumor regressions. In the absence of overt toxicity, these results suggest that this and similar inhibitors should be tested as potential, high-impact novel therapies for patients with PDAC. See related commentary by Redding and Grabocka, p. 260. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 247.

Phase I Study Evaluating Glesatinib (MGCD265), An Inhibitor of MET and AXL, in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Other Advanced Solid Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Heightened signaling by mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (MET) is implicated in tumorigenesis. Glesatinib is an investigational, oral inhibitor of MET and AXL. OBJECTIVE: This phase I study determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase II dose (RP2D), and safety profile of glesatinib in patients with advanced or unresectable solid tumors. Antitumor activity and pharmacokinetics (PK) were secondary objectives. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four formulations of glesatinib glycolate salt (capsule, unmicronized, micronized, and micronized version 2 [V2] tablets) and two free-base formulations (free-base suspension [FBS] capsule and spray-dried dispersion [SDD] tablet), developed to enhance drug exposure and optimize manufacturing processes, were evaluated in patients with genetically unselected advanced/unresectable solid tumors. MTD, based on dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) observed during the first 21-day treatment cycle, was further evaluated in dose-expansion cohorts comprising patients with overexpression of MET and/or AXL, MET/AXL amplification, MET-activating mutations, or MET/AXL rearrangements for confirmation as the RP2D. RESULTS: Glesatinib was evaluated across 27 dose-escalation cohorts (n = 108). Due to suboptimal exposure with glesatinib glycolate salt formulations in the initial cohorts, investigations subsequently focused on the FBS capsule and SDD tablet; for these formulations, MTD was identified as 1050 mg twice daily and 750 mg twice daily, respectively. An additional 71 patients received glesatinib in the FBS and SDD dose-expansion cohorts. At MTDs, the most frequent treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea (FBS, 83.3%; SDD, 75.0%), nausea (57.1%, 30.6%), vomiting (45.2%, 25.0%), increased alanine aminotransferase (45.2%, 30.6%), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (47.6%, 27.8%). Exploratory pharmacodynamic analyses indicated target engagement and inhibition of MET by glesatinib. Antitumor activity was observed with glesatinib FBS 1050 mg twice daily and SDD 750 mg twice daily in tumors harboring MET/AXL alteration or aberrant protein expression, particularly in patients with non--small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In patients with NSCLC, the objective response rate was 25.9% in those with MET/AXL mutation or amplification and 30.0% in a subset with MET-activating mutations. All six partial responses occurred in patients with tumors carrying MET exon 14 deletion mutations. CONCLUSIONS: The safety profile of single-agent glesatinib was acceptable. SDD 750 mg twice daily was selected as the preferred glesatinib formulation and dose based on clinical activity, safety, and PK data. Observations from this study led to initiation of a phase II study of glesatinib in patients with NSCLC stratified by type of MET alteration (NCT02544633). CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00697632; June 2008.

Fragment optimization and elaboration strategies - the discovery of two lead series of PRMT5/MTA inhibitors from five fragment hits.

Here we describe the early stages of a fragment-based lead discovery (FBLD) project for a recently elucidated synthetic lethal target, the PRMT5/MTA complex, for the treatment of MTAP-deleted cancers. Starting with five fragment/PRMT5/MTA X-ray co-crystal structures, we employed a two-phase fragment elaboration process encompassing optimization of fragment hits and subsequent fragment growth to increase potency, assess synthetic tractability, and enable structure-based drug design. Two lead series were identified, one of which led to the discovery of the clinical candidate MRTX1719.

Anti-tumor efficacy of a potent and selective non-covalent KRASG12D inhibitor.

Recent progress in targeting KRASG12C has provided both insight and inspiration for targeting alternative KRAS mutants. In this study, we evaluated the mechanism of action and anti-tumor efficacy of MRTX1133, a potent, selective and non-covalent KRASG12D inhibitor. MRTX1133 demonstrated a high-affinity interaction with GDP-loaded KRASG12D with KD and IC50 values of ~0.2 pM and <2 nM, respectively, and ~700-fold selectivity for binding to KRASG12D as compared to KRASWT. MRTX1133 also demonstrated potent inhibition of activated KRASG12D based on biochemical and co-crystal structural analyses. MRTX1133 inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cell viability in KRASG12D-mutant cell lines, with median IC50 values of ~5 nM, and demonstrated >1,000-fold selectivity compared to KRASWT cell lines. MRTX1133 exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of KRAS-mediated signal transduction and marked tumor regression (≥30%) in a subset of KRASG12D-mutant cell-line-derived and patient-derived xenograft models, including eight of 11 (73%) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) models. Pharmacological and CRISPR-based screens demonstrated that co-targeting KRASG12D with putative feedback or bypass pathways, including EGFR or PI3Kα, led to enhanced anti-tumor activity. Together, these data indicate the feasibility of selectively targeting KRAS mutants with non-covalent, high-affinity small molecules and illustrate the therapeutic susceptibility and broad dependence of KRASG12D mutation-positive tumors on mutant KRAS for tumor cell growth and survival.

Design and evaluation of achiral, non-atropisomeric 4-(aminomethyl)phthalazin-1(2H)-one derivatives as novel PRMT5/MTA inhibitors.

MRTX1719 is an inhibitor of the PRMT5/MTA complex and recently entered clinical trials for the treatment of MTAP-deleted cancers. MRTX1719 is a class 3 atropisomeric compound that requires a chiral synthesis or a chiral separation step in its preparation. Here, we report the SAR and medicinal chemistry design strategy, supported by structural insights from X-ray crystallography, to discover a class 1 atropisomeric compound from the same series that does not require a chiral synthesis or a chiral separation step in its preparation.