Structure-guided optimization of a novel class of ASK1 inhibitors with increased sp character and an exquisite selectivity profile.

Apoptosis Signal-Regulating Kinase-1 (ASK1) is a known member of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase (MAP3K) family and upon stimulation will activate the p38- and JNK-pathways leading to cardiac apoptosis, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. Using Structure-Based Drug Design (SBDD) in parallel with deconstruction of a published compound, a novel series of ASK1 inhibitors was optimized, which incorporated a saturated heterocycle proximal to the hinge-binding motif. This yielded a unique chemical series with excellent selectivity across the broader kinome, and desirable drug-like properties.

Applications of Quantitative Systems Pharmacology in Model-Informed Drug Discovery: Perspective on Impact and Opportunities.

Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) approaches have been increasingly applied in the pharmaceutical since the landmark white paper published in 2011 by a National Institutes of Health working group brought attention to the discipline. In this perspective, we discuss QSP in the context of other modeling approaches and highlight the impact of QSP across various stages of drug development and therapeutic areas. We discuss challenges to the field as well as future opportunities.

Antismoking interventions in residential substance abuse treatment.

Objective: : To develop and evaluate an educational strategy to increase motivation to quit smoking and improve attendance at antismoking classes in a residential substance abuse treatment program.

Methods: : The 241 patients admitted in 2004 who smoked reported the number of cigarettes smoked daily at the time of admission. Attendance at the antismoking classes was noted to determine if there was a relationship between attending the classes and a change in the number of cigarettes smoked at discharge.

Rapid and sensitive LC/MS/MS analysis of the novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor ZD6474 in mouse plasma and tissues.

ZD6474 (N-(4-Bromo-2-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-7-[(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methoxy] quinazolin-4-amine) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor activity that is currently undergoing human trials for cancer treatment. Pharmacokinetic studies in animal models are an important component in clinical development of this agent to relate pre-clinical models to patient treatment. A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of ZD6474 levels in mouse plasma and tissues.

P450 induction alters paclitaxel pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution with multiple dosing.

Purpose: Paclitaxel (Taxol) is an effective agent against a broad range of human cancers. Studies on the metabolism and disposition of paclitaxel have shown that it is primarily eliminated via hepatic metabolism by P450 enzymes (2C8 and 3A4) to essentially inactive metabolites, and that biliary and gut transport by P-glycoprotein (PGP) as well as urinary elimination of the parent compound play relatively minor roles. Recent studies in vitro have shown that paclitaxel treatment increases the level of CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 in human hepatocytes as well as PGP in colon tumor cells.