Author Correction: Discovery of a selective catalytic p300/CBP inhibitor that targets lineage-specific tumours.

In the originally published version of this Letter, the authors Arthur F. Kluge, Michael A. Patane and Ce Wang were inadvertently omitted from the author list. Their affiliations are: I-to-D, Inc., PO Box 6177, Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773, USA (A.F.K.); Mitobridge, Inc. 1030 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA (M.A.P.); and China Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, No. 4218 Jinke Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong District, Shanghai 201203, China (C.W.). These authors contributed to the interpretation of results and design of compounds. In addition, author 'Edward A. Kesicki' was misspelled as 'Ed Kesicki'. These errors have been corrected online.

Enabling, Decagram-Scale Synthesis of Macrocyclic MCL-1 Inhibitor ABBV-467.

ABBV-467 is a highly potent and selective MCL-1 inhibitor that was advanced to a phase I clinical trial for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Due to its large size and structural complexity, ABBV-467 is a challenging synthetic target. Herein, we describe the synthesis of ABBV-467 on a decagram scale, which enabled preclinical characterization. The strategy is convergent and stereoselective, featuring a hindered biaryl cross coupling, enantioselective hydrogenation, and conformationally preorganized macrocyclization by C-O bond formation as key steps.

Discovery of a selective catalytic p300/CBP inhibitor that targets lineage-specific tumours.

The dynamic and reversible acetylation of proteins, catalysed by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), is a major epigenetic regulatory mechanism of gene transcription and is associated with multiple diseases. Histone deacetylase inhibitors are currently approved to treat certain cancers, but progress on the development of drug-like histone actyltransferase inhibitors has lagged behind. The histone acetyltransferase paralogues p300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP) are key transcriptional co-activators that are essential for a multitude of cellular processes, and have also been implicated in human pathological conditions (including cancer). Current inhibitors of the p300 and CBP histone acetyltransferase domains, including natural products, bi-substrate analogues and the widely used small molecule C646, lack potency or selectivity. Here, we describe A-485, a potent, selective and drug-like catalytic inhibitor of p300 and CBP. We present a high resolution (1.95 Å) co-crystal structure of a small molecule bound to the catalytic active site of p300 and demonstrate that A-485 competes with acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). A-485 selectively inhibited proliferation in lineage-specific tumour types, including several haematological malignancies and androgen receptor-positive prostate cancer. A-485 inhibited the androgen receptor transcriptional program in both androgen-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer and inhibited tumour growth in a castration-resistant xenograft model. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using small molecule inhibitors to selectively target the catalytic activity of histone acetyltransferases, which may provide effective treatments for transcriptional activator-driven malignancies and diseases.

Discovery of spirohydantoins as selective, orally bioavailable inhibitors of p300/CBP histone acetyltransferases.

p300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP) are essential for a multitude of cellular processes. Dysregulation of p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase activity is linked to a broad spectrum of human diseases including cancers. A novel drug-like spirohydantoin (21) has been discovered as a selective orally bioavailable inhibitor of p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase. Lead compound 21 is more potent than the first-in-class lead A-485 in both enzymatic and cellular assays and lacks the off-target inhibition of dopamine and serotonin transporters, that was observed with A-485.

The SUV4-20 inhibitor A-196 verifies a role for epigenetics in genomic integrity.

Protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) regulate diverse physiological processes including transcription and the maintenance of genomic integrity. Genetic studies suggest that the PKMTs SUV420H1 and SUV420H2 facilitate proficient nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ)-directed DNA repair by catalyzing the di- and trimethylation (me2 and me3, respectively) of lysine 20 on histone 4 (H4K20). Here we report the identification of A-196, a potent and selective inhibitor of SUV420H1 and SUV420H2. Biochemical and co-crystallization analyses demonstrate that A-196 is a substrate-competitive inhibitor of both SUV4-20 enzymes. In cells, A-196 induced a global decrease in H4K20me2 and H4K20me3 and a concomitant increase in H4K20me1. A-196 inhibited 53BP1 foci formation upon ionizing radiation and reduced NHEJ-mediated DNA-break repair but did not affect homology-directed repair. These results demonstrate the role of SUV4-20 enzymatic activity in H4K20 methylation and DNA repair. A-196 represents a first-in-class chemical probe of SUV4-20 to investigate the role of histone methyltransferases in genomic integrity.

SAR of amino pyrrolidines as potent and novel protein-protein interaction inhibitors of the PRC2 complex through EED binding.

Herein we disclose SAR studies of a series of dimethylamino pyrrolidines which we recently reported as novel inhibitors of the PRC2 complex through disruption of EED/H3K27me3 binding. Modification of the indole and benzyl moieties of screening hit 1 provided analogs with substantially improved binding and cellular activities. This work culminated in the identification of compound 2, our nanomolar proof-of-concept (PoC) inhibitor which provided on-target tumor growth inhibition in a mouse xenograft model. X-ray crystal structures of several inhibitors bound in the EED active-site are also discussed.

SAR and characterization of non-substrate isoindoline urea inhibitors of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT).

Herein we disclose SAR studies that led to a series of isoindoline ureas which we recently reported were first-in-class, non-substrate nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitors. Modification of the isoindoline and/or the terminal functionality of screening hit 5 provided inhibitors such as 52 and 58 with nanomolar antiproliferative activity and preclinical pharmacokinetics properties which enabled potent antitumor activity when dosed orally in mouse xenograft models. X-ray crystal structures of two inhibitors bound in the NAMPT active-site are discussed.

Discovery of Potent Azetidine-Benzoxazole MerTK Inhibitors with In Vivo Target Engagement.

Inhibition of the receptor tyrosine kinase MerTK by small molecules has the potential to augment the immune response to tumors. Potent, selective inhibitors with high levels of in vivo target engagement are needed to fully evaluate the potential use of MerTK inhibitors as cancer therapeutics. We report the discovery and optimization of a series of pyrazinamide-based type 1.5 MerTK inhibitors bearing an azetidine-benzoxazole substituent. Compound 31 potently engages the target in vivo and demonstrates single agent activity in the immune-driven MC-38 murine syngeneic tumor model.

Discovery of A-910, a Highly Potent and Orally Bioavailable Dual MerTK/Axl-Selective Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor.

TAM receptor tyrosine kinases have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment due to their roles in both tumor intrinsic survival mechanisms and suppression of antitumor immunity within the tumor microenvironment. Inhibiting MerTK and Axl selectively is believed to hinder cancer cell survival, reverse the protumor myeloid phenotype, and suppress efferocytosis, thereby eliciting an antitumor immune response. In this study, we present the discovery of A-910, a highly potent and selective dual MerTK/Axl inhibitor, achieved through a structure-based medicinal chemistry campaign. The lead compound exhibits favorable oral bioavailability, exceptional kinome selectivity, and significantly improved in vivo target engagement. These findings support the use of A-910 as an orally bioavailable in vivo tool compound for investigating the immunotherapy potential of dual MerTK/Axl inhibition.

Preclinical characterization of ABT-348, a kinase inhibitor targeting the aurora, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor/platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and Src kinase families.

ABT-348 [1-(4-(4-amino-7-(1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-3-yl)phenyl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)urea] is a novel ATP-competitive multitargeted kinase inhibitor with nanomolar potency (IC(50)) for inhibiting binding and cellular autophosphorylation of Aurora B (7 and 13 nM), C (1 and 13 nM), and A (120 and 189 nM). Cellular activity against Aurora B is reflected by inhibition of phosphorylation of histone H3, induction of polyploidy, and inhibition of proliferation of a variety of leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumor cell lines (IC(50) = 0.3-21 nM). In vivo inhibition of Aurora B was confirmed in an engrafted leukemia model by observing a decrease in phosphorylation of histone H3 that persisted in a dose-dependent manner for 8 h and correlated with plasma concentration of ABT-348. Evaluation of ABT-348 across a panel of 128 kinases revealed additional potent binding activity (K(i) < 30 nM) against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) families and the Src family of cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases. VEGFR/PDGFR binding activity correlated with inhibition of autophosphorylation in cells and inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated endothelial cell proliferation (IC(50) ≤ 0.3 nM). Evidence of on-target activity in vivo was provided by the potency for blocking VEGF-mediated vascular permeability and inducing plasma placental growth factor. Activity against the Src kinase family was evident in antiproliferative activity against BCR-ABL chronic myeloid leukemia cells and cells expressing the gleevec-resistant BCR-ABL T315I mutation. On the basis of its unique spectrum of activity, ABT-348 was evaluated and found effective in representative solid tumor [HT1080 and pancreatic carcinoma (MiaPaCa), tumor stasis] and hematological malignancy (RS4;11, regression) xenografts. These results provide the rationale for clinical assessment of ABT-348 as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer.

Exploration of diverse hinge-binding scaffolds for selective Aurora kinase inhibitors.

Four hinge-binding scaffolds have been explored for novel selective Aurora kinase inhibitors. The structure activity relationship, selectivity and pharmacokinetic profiles have been evaluated.

Thienopyridine ureas as dual inhibitors of the VEGF and Aurora kinase families.

In an effort to identify multi-targeted kinase inhibitors with a novel spectrum of kinase activity, a screen of Abbott proprietary KDR inhibitors against a broad panel of kinases was conducted and revealed a series of thienopyridine ureas with promising activity against the Aurora kinases. Modification of the diphenyl urea and C7 moiety of these compounds provided potent inhibitors with good pharmacokinetic profiles that were efficacious in mouse tumor models after oral dosing. Compound 2 (ABT-348) of this series is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials in solid and hematological cancer populations.

Pyrazole diaminopyrimidines as dual inhibitors of KDR and Aurora B kinases.

In an effort to identify kinase inhibitors with dual KDR/Aurora B activity and improved aqueous solubility compared to the Abbott dual inhibitor ABT-348, a series of novel pyrazole pyrimidines structurally related to kinase inhibitor AS703569 were prepared. SAR work provided analogs with significant cellular activity, measureable aqueous solubility and moderate antitumor activity in a mouse tumor model after weekly ip dosing. Unfortunately these compounds were pan-kinase inhibitors that suffered from narrow therapeutic indices which prohibited their use as antitumor agents.

Discovery of potent and selective thienopyrimidine inhibitors of Aurora kinases.

In an effort to discover Aurora kinase inhibitors, an HTS hit revealed an amide containing pyrrolopyrimidine compound. Replacement of the pyrrolopyrimidine residue with a thienopyrimidine moiety led to a series of potent and selective Aurora inhibitors.

Discovery of a Potent and Selective Covalent p300/CBP Inhibitor.

Aberrant gene activation driven by the histone acetyltransferases p300 and CREB binding protein (CBP) has been linked to several diseases, including cancers. Because of this, many efforts have been aimed toward the targeting of the closely related paralogues, p300 and CBP, but these endeavors have been exclusively directed toward noncovalent inhibitors. X-ray crystallography of A-485 revealed that both p300 and CBP possess a cysteine (C1450) near the active site, thus rendering covalent inhibition an attractive chemical approach. Herein we report the development of compound 2, an acrylamide-based inhibitor of p300/CBP that forms a covalent adduct with C1450. We demonstrated using mass spectrometry that compound 2 selectively targets C1450, and we also validated covalent binding using kinetics experiments and cellular washout studies. The discovery of covalent inhibitor 2 gives us a unique tool for the study of p300/CBP biology.

3-amino-benzo[d]isoxazoles as novel multitargeted inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases.

A series of benzoisoxazoles and benzoisothiazoles have been synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Structure-activity relationship studies led to the identification of 3-amino benzo[ d]isoxazoles, incorporating a N, N'-diphenyl urea moiety at the 4-position that potently inhibited both the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor families of RTKs. Within this series, orally bioavailable compounds possessing promising pharmacokinetic profiles were identified, and a number of compounds demonstrated in vivo efficacy in models of VEGF-stimulated vascular permeability and tumor growth. In particular, compound 50 exhibited an ED 50 of 2.0 mg/kg in the VEGF-stimulated uterine edema model and 81% inhibition in the human fibrosarcoma (HT1080) tumor growth model when given orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day.

Identification of aminopyrazolopyridine ureas as potent VEGFR/PDGFR multitargeted kinase inhibitors.

Tumor angiogenesis is mediated by KDR and other VEGFR and PDGFR kinases. Their inhibition presents an attractive approach for developing anticancer therapeutics. Here, we report a series of aminopyrazolopyridine ureas as potent VEGFR/PDGFR multitargeted kinase inhibitors. A number of compounds have been identified to be orally bioavailable and efficacious in the mouse edema model.

Scaffold oriented synthesis. Part 2: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrimido-diazepines as receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

We report the discovery of the pyrimido-diazepine scaffolds as novel adenine mimics. Structure-based design led to the discovery of analogs with potent inhibitory activity against receptor tyrosine kinases, such as KDR, Flt3 and c-Kit. Compound 14 exhibited low nanomolar KDR enzymatic and cellular potencies (IC(50)=9 and 52 nM, respectively).

Discovery of Spiro Oxazolidinediones as Selective, Orally Bioavailable Inhibitors of p300/CBP Histone Acetyltransferases.

p300 and its paralog CBP can acetylate histones and other proteins and have been implicated in a number of diseases characterized by aberrant gene activation, such as cancer. A novel, highly selective, orally bioavailable histone acetyltransferase (HAT) domain inhibitor has been identified through virtual ligand screening and subsequent optimization of a unique hydantoin screening hit. Conformational restraint in the form of a spirocyclization followed by substitution with a urea led to a significant improvement in potency. Replacement of the hydantoin moiety with an oxazolidinedione followed by fluoro substitution led to A-485, which exhibits potent cell activity, low clearance, and high oral bioavailability.

Discovery of N-(4-(3-amino-1H-indazol-4-yl)phenyl)-N'-(2-fluoro-5-methylphenyl)urea (ABT-869), a 3-aminoindazole-based orally active multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

In our continued efforts to search for potent and novel receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors as potential anticancer agents, we discovered, through a structure-based design, that 3-aminoindazole could serve as an efficient hinge-binding template for kinase inhibitors. By incorporating an N,N'-diaryl urea moiety at the C4-position of 3-aminodazole, a series of RTK inhibitors were generated, which potently inhibited the tyrosine kinase activity of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and the platelet-derived growth factor receptor families. A number of compounds with potent oral activity were identified by utilizing an estradiol-induced mouse uterine edema model and an HT1080 human fibrosarcoma xenograft tumor model. In particular, compound 17p (ABT-869) was found to possess favorable pharmacokinetic profiles across different species and display significant tumor growth inhibition in multiple preclinical animal models.