Synthesis and biological investigation of peptidomimetic SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors bearing quinoline-based heterocycles at P.

In the last few years, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been the cause of a worldwide pandemic, highlighting the need for novel antiviral agents. The main protease (M) of SARS-CoV-2 was immediately identified as a crucial enzyme for viral replication and has been validated as a drug target. Here, we present the design and synthesis of peptidomimetic M covalent inhibitors characterized by quinoline-based P moieties.

Targeting N-Methyl-lysine Histone Demethylase KDM4 in Cancer: Natural Products Inhibitors as a Driving Force for Epigenetic Drug Discovery.

KDM4A-F enzymes are a subfamily of histone demethylases containing the Jumonji C domain (JmjC) using Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate for their catalytic function. Overexpression or deregulation of KDM4 enzymes is associated with various cancers, altering chromatin structure and causing transcriptional dysfunction. As KDM4 enzymes have been associated with malignancy, they may represent novel targets for developing innovative therapeutic tools to treat different solid and blood tumors.

Exploring the chemical space around chrysin to develop novel vascular Ca1.2 channel blockers, promising vasorelaxant agents.

The flavonoid chrysin is an effective vascular Ca1.2 channel blocker. The aim of this study was to explore the chemical space around chrysin to identify the structural features that can be modified to develop novel and more effective blockers.

Enhancing Drug Discovery and Development through the Integration of Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and Academia-Industry Partnerships: Insights from Roche's Endocannabinoid System Projects.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a critical regulatory network composed of endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs), their synthesizing and degrading enzymes, and associated receptors. It is integral to maintaining homeostasis and orchestrating key functions within the central nervous and immune systems. Given its therapeutic significance, we have launched a series of drug discovery endeavors aimed at ECS targets, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), cannabinoid receptors types 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), addressing a wide array of medical needs.