Identification of a Discrete Diglucuronide of GDC-0810 in Human Plasma after Oral Administration.

GDC-0810 is a small molecule therapeutic agent having potential to treat breast cancer. In plasma of the first-in-human study, metabolite M2, accounting for 20.7% of total drug-related materials, was identified as a discrete diglucuronide that was absent in rats. Acyl glucuronide M6 and N-glucuronide M4 were also identified as prominent metabolites in human plasma. Several in vitro studies were conducted in incubations of [14C]GDC-0810, synthetic M6 and M4 with liver microsomes, intestinal microsomes, and hepatocytes of different species as well as recombinant UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes to further understand the formation of M2. The results suggested that 1) M2 was more efficiently formed from M6 than from M4, and 2) acyl glucuronidation was mainly catalyzed by UGT1A8/7/1 that is highly expressed in the intestines whereas N-glucuronidation was mainly catalyzed by UGT1A4 that is expressed in the human liver. This complicated mechanism presented challenges in predicting M2 formation using human in vitro systems. The absence of M2 and M4 in rats can be explained by low to no expression of UGT1A4 in rodents. M2 could be the first discrete diglucuronide that was formed from both acyl- and N-glucuronidation on a molecule identified in human plasma. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A discrete diglucuronidation metabolite of GDC-0810, a breast cancer drug candidate, was characterized as a unique circulating metabolite in humans that was not observed in rats or little formed in human in vitro system.

Discovery of Spiro-azaindoline Inhibitors of Hematopoietic Progenitor Kinase 1 (HPK1).

Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) is implicated as a negative regulator of T-cell receptor-induced T-cell activation. Studies using HPK1 kinase-dead knock-in animals have demonstrated the loss of HPK1 kinase activity resulted in an increase in T-cell function and tumor growth inhibition in glioma models. Herein, we describe the discovery of a series of small molecule inhibitors of HPK1. Using a structure-based drug design approach, the kinase selectivity of the molecules was significantly improved by inducing and stabilizing an unusual P-loop folded binding mode. The metabolic liabilities of the initial 7-azaindole high-throughput screening hit were mitigated by addressing a key metabolic soft spot along with physicochemical property-based optimization. The resulting spiro-azaindoline HPK1 inhibitors demonstrated improved in vitro ADME properties and the ability to induce cytokine production in primary human T-cells.

Venetoclax combines synergistically with FLT3 inhibition to effectively target leukemic cells in FLT3-ITD+ acute myeloid leukemia models.

FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutations account for ~25% of adult acute myeloid leukemia cases and are associated with poor prognosis. Venetoclax, a selective BCL-2 inhibitor, has limited monotherapy activity in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia with no responses observed in a small subset of FLT3-ITD+ patients. Further, FLT3-ITD mutations emerged at relapse following venetoclax monotherapy and combination therapy suggesting a potential mechanism of resistance. Therefore, we investigated the convergence of FLT3-ITD signaling on the BCL-2 family proteins and determined combination activity of venetoclax and FLT3-ITD inhibition in preclinical models. In vivo, venetoclax combined with quizartinib, a potent FLT3 inhibitor, showed greater anti-tumor efficacy and prolonged survival compared to monotherapies. In a patient-derived FLT3-ITD+ xenograft model, cotreatment with venetoclax and quizartinib at clinically relevant doses had greater anti-tumor activity in the tumor microenvironment compared to quizartinib or venetoclax alone. Use of selective BCL-2 family inhibitors further identified a role for BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1 in mediating survival in FLT3-ITD+ cells in vivo and highlighted the need to target all three proteins for greatest anti-tumor activity. Assessment of these combinations in vitro revealed synergistic combination activity for quizartinib and venetoclax but not for quizartinib combined with BCL-XL or MCL-1 inhibition. FLT3-ITD inhibition was shown to indirectly target both BCL-XL and MCL-1 through modulation of protein expression, thereby priming cells toward BCL-2 dependence for survival. These data demonstrate that FLT3-ITD inhibition combined with venetoclax has impressive anti-tumor activity in FLT3-ITD+ acute myeloid leukemia preclinical models and provides strong mechanistic rational for clinical studies.

Discovery of A-1331852, a First-in-Class, Potent, and Orally-Bioavailable BCL-XL Inhibitor.

Herein we describe the discovery of A-1331852, a first-in-class orally active BCL-XL inhibitor that selectively and potently induces apoptosis in BCL-XL-dependent tumor cells. This molecule was generated by re-engineering our previously reported BCL-XL inhibitor A-1155463 using structure-based drug design. Key design elements included rigidification of the A-1155463 pharmacophore and introduction of sp3-rich moieties capable of generating highly productive interactions within the key P4 pocket of BCL-XL. A-1331852 has since been used as a critical tool molecule for further exploring BCL-2 family protein biology, while also representing an attractive entry into a drug discovery program.

Bioactivation of α,ß-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids Through Acyl Glucuronidation.

After oral administration to monkeys of [14C]GDC-0810, an α,ß-unsaturated carboxylic acid, unchanged parent and its acyl glucuronide metabolite, M6, were the major circulating drug-related components. In addition, greater than 50% of circulating radioactivity in plasma was found to be nonextractable 12 hours post-dose, suggesting possible covalent binding to plasma proteins. In the same study, one of the minor metabolites was a cysteine conjugate of M6 (M11) that was detected in plasma and excreta (urine and bile). The potential mechanism for the covalent binding to proteins was further investigated using in vitro methods. In incubations with glutathione (GSH) or cysteine (5 mM), GSH and cysteine conjugates of M6 were identified, respectively. The cysteine reaction was efficient with a half-life of 58.6 minutes (k react = 0.04 1/M per second). Loss of 176 Da (glucuronic acid) followed by 129 Da (glutamate) in mass fragmentation analysis of the GSH adduct of M6 (M13) suggested the glucuronic acid moiety was not modified. The conjugation of N-glucuronide M4 with cysteine in buffer was >1000-fold slower than with M6. Incubations of GDC-0810, M4, or M6 with monkey or human liver microsomes in the presence of NADPH and GSH did not produce any oxidative GSH adducts, and the respective substrates were qualitatively recovered. In silico analysis quantified the inherent reactivity differences between the glucuronide and its acid precursor. Collectively, these results show that acyl glucuronidation of α,ß-unsaturated carboxylic acids can activate the compound toward reactivity with GSH, cysteine, or other biologically occurring thiols and should be considered during the course of drug discovery. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Acyl glucuronidation of the α,ß-unsaturated carboxylic acid in GDC-0810 activates the conjugated alkene toward nucleophilic addition by glutathione or other reactive thiols. This is the first example that a bioactivation mechanism could lead to protein covalent binding to α,ß-unsaturated carboxylic acid compounds.

Discovery of Potent Benzolactam IRAK4 Inhibitors with Robust in Vivo Activity.

IRAK4 kinase activity transduces signaling from multiple IL-1Rs and TLRs to regulate cytokines and chemokines implicated in inflammatory diseases. As such, there is high interest in identifying selective IRAK4 inhibitors for the treatment of these disorders. We previously reported the discovery of potent and selective dihydrobenzofuran inhibitors of IRAK4. Subsequent studies, however, showed inconsistent inhibition in disease-relevant pharmacodynamic models. Herein, we describe application of a human whole blood assay to the discovery of a series of benzolactam IRAK4 inhibitors. We identified potent molecule 19 that achieves robust in vivo inhibition of cytokines relevant to human disease.

Preclinical Safety Assessment of a Highly Selective and Potent Dual Small-Molecule Inhibitor of CBP/P300 in Rats and Dogs.

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element (CREB)-binding protein (CBP) and EP300E1A-binding protein (p300) are members of the bromodomain and extraterminal motif (BET) family. These highly homologous proteins have a key role in modulating transcription, including altering the status of chromatin or through interactions with or posttranslational modifications of transcription factors. As CBP and p300 have known roles for stimulating c-Myc oncogenic activity, a small-molecule inhibitor, GNE-781, was developed to selectively and potently inhibit the CBP/p300 bromodomains (BRDs). Genetic models have been challenging to develop due to embryonic lethality arising from germline homozygous mutations in either CBP or P300. Hence, the purpose of this study was to characterize the role of dual inhibition of these proteins in adult rats and dogs. Repeat dose toxicity studies were conducted, and toxicologic and pathologic end points were assessed. GNE-781 was generally tolerated; however, marked effects on thrombopoiesis occurred in both species. Evidence of inhibition of erythroid, granulocytic, and lymphoid cell differentiation was also present, as well as deleterious changes in gastrointestinal and reproductive tissues. These findings are consistent with many preclinical (and clinical) effects reported with BET inhibitors targeting BRD proteins; thus, the current study findings indicate a likely important role for CBP/p300 in stem cell differentiation.

Development of Potent and Selective Pyrazolopyrimidine IRAK4 Inhibitors.

A series of pyrazolopyrimidine inhibitors of IRAK4 were developed from a high-throughput screen (HTS). Modification of an HTS hit led to a series of bicyclic heterocycles with improved potency and kinase selectivity but lacking sufficient solubility to progress in vivo. Structure-based drug design, informed by cocrystal structures with the protein and small-molecule crystal structures, yielded a series of dihydrobenzofurans. This semisaturated bicycle provided superior druglike properties while maintaining excellent potency and selectivity. Improved physicochemical properties allowed for progression into in vivo experiments, where lead molecules exhibited low clearance and showed target-based inhibition of IRAK4 signaling in an inflammation-mediated PK/PD mouse model.

Assessment of OATP transporter-mediated drug-drug interaction using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling - a case example.

GDC-0810 was under development as an oral anti-cancer drug for the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer as a single agent or in combination. In vitro data indicated that GDC-0810 is a potent inhibitor of OATP1B1/1B3. To assess clinical risk, a PBPK model was developed to predict the transporter drug-drug interaction (tDDI) between GDC-0810 and pravastatin in human. The PBPK model was constructed in Simcyp® by integrating in vitro and in vivo data for GDC-0810. The prediction of human pharmacokinetics (PK) was verified using GDC-0810 phase I clinical PK data. The Simcyp transporter DDI model was verified using known OATP1B1/1B3 inhibitors (rifampicin, cyclosporine and gemfibrozil) and substrate (pravastatin), prior to using the model to predict GDC-0810 tDDI. The effect of GDC-0810 on pravastatin PK was then predicted based on the proposed clinical scenarios. Sensitivity analysis was conducted on the parameters with uncertainty. The developed PBPK model described the PK profile of GDC-0810 reasonably well. In the tDDI verification, the model reasonably predicted pravastatin tDDI caused by rifampicin and gemfibrozil OATP1B1/3 inhibition but under-predicted tDDI caused by cyclosporine. The effect of GDC-0810 on pravastatin PK was predicted to be low to moderate (pravastatin Cmax ratios 1.01-2.05 and AUC ratio 1.04-2.23). The observed tDDI (Cmax ratio 1.20 and AUC ratio 1.41) was within the range of the predicted values. This work demonstrates an approach using a PBPK model to prospectively assess tDDI caused by a new chemical entity as an OATP1B1/3 uptake transporter inhibitor to assess clinical risk and to support development strategy.

Effect of OATP1B1/1B3 Inhibitor GDC-0810 on the Pharmacokinetics of Pravastatin and Coproporphyrin I/III in Healthy Female Subjects.

Developed as an oral anticancer drug to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, GDC-0810 was shown to be a potent inhibitor of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 and 1B3 (OATP1B1/1B3) from an in vitro assay. A clinical study was conducted to assess the drug-drug interaction potential between GDC-0810 and pravastatin, which is a relatively selective and sensitive OATP1B1/1B3 substrate. Fifteen healthy female subjects of non-childbearing potential were enrolled in the study. On day 1 in period 1, a single 10-mg dose of pravastatin was administered to all subjects. Following a 4-day washout period, 600 mg of GDC-0810 was administered once daily on days 5 through 8 in period 2 to achieve steady-state concentrations. On day 7, a single dose of 10-mg pravastatin was coadministered with the 600-mg GDC-0810 dose. Concentrations of pravastatin (periods 1 and 2) and GDC-0810 (period 2 only) were quantified in blood samples and subsequently used to calculate the pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters. The pravastatin mean maximal concentration and area under the curve values were approximately 20% and 41% higher, respectively, following pravastatin coadministration with GDC-0810 compared to pravastatin alone. Based on the magnitude of change in this drug-drug interaction study, dose adjustments for pravastatin (and other OATP1B1/1B3 substrates) were not considered necessary when administered with GDC-0810. Retrospectively, the endogenous biomarkers of OATP1B1/1B3, coproporphyrin I and III, were also measured and showed changes comparable to those of pravastatin, indicating their utility in detecting weak inhibition of OATP1B1/1B3 in the clinical setting.

Practical strategies when using a stable isotope labeled microtracer for absolute bioavailability assessment: A case study of a high oral dose clinical candidate GDC-0810.

The pH labile metabolite, hydrophobicity, high oral dose and systematic exposure of GDC-0810 posed tremendous challenges to develop a LC-MS method for a stable isotope labeled aBA study. In this study, we explored practical solutions to balance stability and sensitivity and to cope with the impact of high Cp.o. to Ci.v. ratio on the labeling selection and assay dynamic range. A [13C9] GDC-0810 was synthesized to minimize the isotopic interference between PO dose, internal standard and I.V. microtracer. A highly sensitive LC-MS assay was validated for quantitation of [13C9] GDC-0810 from 5 to 1250 pg/mL. The optimized method was applied to a proof of concept cynomolgus monkey aBA study and the bioavailability calculated using microtracer dosing and regular dosing were similar to each other.

Leveraging Humanized Animal Models to Understand Human Drug Disposition: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions.

The utility of animal models in understanding drug disposition and extrapolating to human in a direct manner is limited, confounded by differences in enzyme and transporter substrate specificity and expression between species. Conversely, certain clinical pharmacology or mechanistic studies cannot be conducted for ethical and practical reasons. Thus, humanized animal models could be useful to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical pharmacology and gain relevant insight into the determinants of drug disposition and drug-drug interaction (DDI).

Design and synthesis of a biaryl series as inhibitors for the bromodomains of CBP/P300.

A novel, potent, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of the bromodomain of CBP, compound 35 (GNE-207), has been identified through SAR investigations focused on optimizing al bicyclic heteroarene to replace the aniline present in the published GNE-272 series. Compound 35 has excellent CBP potency (CBP IC50 = 1 nM, MYC EC50 = 18 nM), a selectively index of >2500-fold against BRD4(1), and exhibits a good pharmacokinetic profile.

A Unique Approach to Design Potent and Selective Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Response Element Binding Protein, Binding Protein (CBP) Inhibitors.

The epigenetic regulator CBP/P300 presents a novel therapeutic target for oncology. Previously, we disclosed the development of potent and selective CBP bromodomain inhibitors by first identifying pharmacophores that bind the KAc region and then building into the LPF shelf. Herein, we report the "hybridization" of a variety of KAc-binding fragments with a tetrahydroquinoline scaffold that makes optimal interactions with the LPF shelf, imparting enhanced potency and selectivity to the hybridized ligand. To demonstrate the utility of our hybridization approach, two analogues containing unique Asn binders and the optimized tetrahydroquinoline moiety were rapidly optimized to yield single-digit nanomolar inhibitors of CBP with exquisite selectivity over BRD4(1) and the broader bromodomain family.

GNE-781, A Highly Advanced Potent and Selective Bromodomain Inhibitor of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Response Element Binding Protein, Binding Protein (CBP).

Inhibition of the bromodomain of the transcriptional regulator CBP/P300 is an especially interesting new therapeutic approach in oncology. We recently disclosed in vivo chemical tool 1 (GNE-272) for the bromodomain of CBP that was moderately potent and selective over BRD4(1). In pursuit of a more potent and selective CBP inhibitor, we used structure-based design. Constraining the aniline of 1 into a tetrahydroquinoline motif maintained potency and increased selectivity 2-fold. Structure-activity relationship studies coupled with further structure-based design targeting the LPF shelf, BC loop, and KAc regions allowed us to significantly increase potency and selectivity, resulting in the identification of non-CNS penetrant 19 (GNE-781, TR-FRET IC50 = 0.94 nM, BRET IC50 = 6.2 nM; BRD4(1) IC50 = 5100 nΜ) that maintained good in vivo PK properties in multiple species. Compound 19 displays antitumor activity in an AML tumor model and was also shown to decrease Foxp3 transcript levels in a dose dependent manner.

Therapeutic Targeting of the CBP/p300 Bromodomain Blocks the Growth of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Resistance invariably develops to antiandrogen therapies used to treat newly diagnosed prostate cancers, but effective treatments for castration-resistant disease remain elusive. Here, we report that the transcriptional coactivator CBP/p300 is required to maintain the growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer. To exploit this vulnerability, we developed a novel small-molecule inhibitor of the CBP/p300 bromodomain that blocks prostate cancer growth in vitro and in vivo Molecular dissection of the consequences of drug treatment revealed a critical role for CBP/p300 in histone acetylation required for the transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor and its target gene expression. Our findings offer a preclinical proof of concept for small-molecule therapies to target the CBP/p300 bromodomain as a strategy to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 77(20); 5564-75. ©2017 AACR.

Utility of CYP3A4 and PXR-CAR-CYP3A4/3A7 Transgenic Mouse Models To Assess the Magnitude of CYP3A4 Mediated Drug-Drug Interactions.

Species differences in the expression, activity, regulation, and substrate specificity of metabolizing enzymes preclude the use of animal models to predict clinical drug-drug interactions (DDIs). The objective of this work is to determine if the transgenic (Tg) Cyp3a-/-Tg-3A4Hep/Int and Nr1i2/Nr1i3-/--Cyp3a-/-Tg-PXR-CAR-3A4/3A7Hep/Int (PXR-CAR-CYP3A4/3A7) mouse models could be used to predict in vivo DDI of 10 drugs; alprazolam, bosutinib, crizotinib, dasatinib, gefitinib, ibrutinib, regorafenib, sorafenib, triazolam, and vandetinib (as victims); with varying magnitudes of reported CYP3A4 clinical DDI. As an assessment of the effect of CYP3A4 inhibition, these drugs were coadministered to Cyp3a-/-Tg-3A4Hep/Int mice with the CYP3A inhibitor, itraconazole. For crizotinib, regorafenib, sorafenib, and vandetanib, there was no significant increase of AUC observed; with alprazolam, bosutinib, ibrutinib, dasatinib, and triazolam, pretreatment with itraconazole resulted in a 2-, 4-, 17-, 7-, and 15-fold increase in AUC, respectively. With the exception of gefinitib for which the DDI effect was overpredicted (12-fold in Tg-mice vs 2-fold in the clinic), the magnitude of AUC increase observed in this study was consistent (within 2-fold) with the clinical DDI observed following administration with itraconazole/ketoconazole. As an assessment of CYP3A4 induction, following rifampin pretreatment to PXR-CAR-3A4/3A7Hep/Int mice, an 8% decrease in vandetanib mean AUC was observed; 39-52% reduction in AUC were observed for dasatinib, ibrutinib, regorafenib, and sorafenib compared to vehicle treated mice. The greatest effect of rifampin induction was observed with alprazolam, bosutinib, crizotinib, gefitinib, and triazolam where 72-91% decrease in AUC were observed. With the exception of vandetanib for which rifampin induction was under-predicted, the magnitude of induction observed in this study was consistent (within 2-fold) with clinical observations. These data sets suggest that, with two exceptions, these transgenic mice models were able to exclude or capture the magnitude of CYP3A4 clinical inhibition and induction. Data generated in transgenic mice may be used to gain confidence and complement in vitro and in silico methods for assessing DDI potential/liability.

Absorption, metabolism and excretion of cobimetinib, an oral MEK inhibitor, in rats and dogs.

1. The absorption, metabolism and excretion of cobimetinib, an allosteric inhibitor of MEK1/2, was characterized in mass balance studies following single oral administration of radiolabeled (14C) cobimetinib to Sprague-Dawley rats (30 mg/kg) and Beagle dogs (5 mg/kg). 2. The oral dose of cobimetinib was well absorbed (81% and 71% in rats and dogs, respectively). The maximal plasma concentrations for cobimetinib and total radioactivity were reached at 2-3 h post-dose. Drug-derived radioactivity was fully recovered (∼90% of the administered dose) with the majority eliminated in feces via biliary excretion (78% of the dose for rats and 65% for dogs). The recoveries were nearly complete after the first 48 h following dosing. 3. The metabolic profiles indicated extensive metabolism of cobimetinib prior to its elimination. For rats, the predominant metabolic pathway was hydroxylation at the aromatic core. Lower exposures for cobimetinib and total radioactivity were observed in male rats compared with female rats, which was consistent to in vitro higher clearance of cobimetinib for male rats. For dogs, sequential oxidative reactions occurred at the aliphatic portion of the molecule. Though rat metabolism was well-predicted in vitro with liver microsomes, dog metabolism was not. 4. Rats and dogs were exposed to the two major human circulating Phase II metabolites, which provided relevant metabolite safety assessment. In general, the extensive sequential oxidative metabolism in dogs, and not the aromatic hydroxylation in rats, was more indicative of the metabolism of cobimetinib in humans.

Discovery of a Potent and Selective in Vivo Probe (GNE-272) for the Bromodomains of CBP/EP300.

The single bromodomain of the closely related transcriptional regulators CBP/EP300 is a target of much recent interest in cancer and immune system regulation. A co-crystal structure of a ligand-efficient screening hit and the CBP bromodomain guided initial design targeting the LPF shelf, ZA loop, and acetylated lysine binding regions. Structure-activity relationship studies allowed us to identify a more potent analogue. Optimization of permeability and microsomal stability and subsequent improvement of mouse hepatocyte stability afforded 59 (GNE-272, TR-FRET IC50 = 0.02 µM, BRET IC50 = 0.41 µM, BRD4(1) IC50 = 13 µM) that retained the best balance of cell potency, selectivity, and in vivo PK. Compound 59 showed a marked antiproliferative effect in hematologic cancer cell lines and modulates MYC expression in vivo that corresponds with antitumor activity in an AML tumor model.

Nonselective inhibition of the epigenetic transcriptional regulator BET induces marked lymphoid and hematopoietic toxicity in mice.

Bromo and extra terminal (BET) proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT) are epigenetic transcriptional regulators required for efficient expression of growth promoting, cell cycle progression and antiapoptotic genes. Through their bromodomain, these proteins bind to acetylated lysine residues of histones and are recruited to transcriptionally active chromatin. Inhibition of the BET-histone interaction provides a tractable therapeutic strategy to treat diseases that may have epigenetic dysregulation. JQ1 is a small molecule that blocks BET interaction with histones. It has been shown to decrease proliferation of patient-derived multiple myeloma in vitro and to decrease tumor burden in vivo in xenograft mouse models. While targeting BET appears to be a viable and efficacious approach, the nonclinical safety profile of BET inhibition remains to be well-defined. We report that mice dosed with JQ1 at efficacious exposures demonstrate dose-dependent decreases in their lymphoid and immune cell compartments. At higher doses, JQ1 was not tolerated and due to induction of significant body weight loss led to early euthanasia. Flow cytometry analysis of lymphoid tissues showed a decrease in both B- and T-lymphocytes with a concomitant decrease in peripheral white blood cells that was confirmed by hematology. Further investigation with the inactive enantiomer of JQ1 showed that these in vivo effects were on-target mediated and not elicited through secondary pharmacology due to chemical structure.