An Amphiphilic Polymer-Supported Strategy Enables Chemical Transformations under Anhydrous Conditions for DNA-Encoded Library Synthesis.

The use of DNA-encoded libraries has emerged as a powerful hit generation technology. Combining the power of combinatorial chemistry to enumerate large compound collections with the efficiency of affinity selection in pools, the methodology makes it possible to interrogate vast chemical space against biological targets of pharmaceutical relevance. Thus, the chemical transformations employed for the synthesis of encoded libraries play a crucial role in the identification of diverse and drug-like starting points.

Prediction of p Using Machine Learning Methods with Rooted Topological Torsion Fingerprints: Application to Aliphatic Amines.

The acid-base dissociation constant, p, is a key parameter to define the ionization state of a compound and directly affects its biopharmaceutical profile. In this study, we developed a novel approach for p prediction using rooted topological torsion fingerprints in combination with five machine learning (ML) methods: random forest, partial least squares, extreme gradient boosting, lasso regression, and support vector regression. With a large and diverse set of 14 499 experimental p values, p models were developed for aliphatic amines.

Design of Potent and Selective Covalent Inhibitors of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Targeting an Inactive Conformation.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a member of the TEC kinase family and is selectively expressed in a subset of immune cells. It is a key regulator of antigen receptor signaling in B cells and of Fc receptor signaling in mast cells and macrophages. A BTK inhibitor will likely have a positive impact on autoimmune diseases which are caused by autoreactive B cells and immune-complex driven inflammation.

Inhibition of MALT1 paracaspase activity improves lesion recovery following spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating traumatic injury that causes persistent, severe motor and sensory dysfunction. Immune responses are involved in functional recovery after SCI. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation 1 (MALT1) has been shown to regulate the survival and differentiation of immune cells and to play a critical role in many diseases, but its function in lesion recovery after SCI remains unclear.

Investigations into the Potential Role of Metabolites on the Anti-Leukemic Activity of Imatinib, Nilotinib and Midostaurin.

The efficacy and side-effects of drugs do not just reflect the biochemical and pharmacodynamic properties of the parent compound, but often comprise of cooperative effects between the properties of the parent and active metabolites. Metabolites of imatinib, nilotinib and midostaurin have been synthesised and evaluated in assays to compare their properties as protein kinase inhibitors with the parent drugs. The -desmethyl-metabolite of imatinib is substantially less active than imatinib as a BCR-ABL1 kinase inhibitor, thus providing an explanation as to why patients producing high levels of this metabolite show a relatively low response rate in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treatment.

A CRISPR-Cas9 screen identifies essential CTCF anchor sites for estrogen receptor-driven breast cancer cell proliferation.

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is an enhancer activating transcription factor, a key driver of breast cancer and a main target for cancer therapy. ERα-mediated gene regulation requires proper chromatin-conformation to facilitate interactions between ERα-bound enhancers and their target promoters. A major determinant of chromatin structure is the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), that dimerizes and together with cohesin stabilizes chromatin loops and forms the boundaries of topologically associated domains.

Structure-based design of potent linear peptide inhibitors of the YAP-TEAD protein-protein interaction derived from the YAP omega-loop sequence.

The YAP-TEAD protein-protein interaction is a potential therapeutic target to treat cancers in which the Hippo signaling pathway is deregulated. However, the extremely large surface of interaction between the two proteins presents a formidable challenge for a small molecule interaction disrupter approach. We have accomplished progress towards showing the feasibility of this approach by the identification of a 15-mer peptide able to potently (nanomolar range) disrupt the YAP-TEAD interaction by targeting only one of the two important sites of interaction.

Discovery of Orally Active Hydroxyethylamine Based SPPL2a Inhibitors.

SPPL2a (Signal Peptide Peptidase Like 2a) is an intramembrane aspartyl protease engaged in the function of B-cells and dendritic cells. Despite being an attractive target for modulation of the immune system, selective SPPL2a inhibitors are barely described in the literature. Recently, we have disclosed a selective, small molecular weight agent SPL-707 which confirmed that pharmacological inhibition of SPPL2a leads to the accumulation of its substrate CD74/p8 and as a consequence to a reduction in the number of B-cells as well as myeloid dendritic cells in mice.

Multifunctional Carrier Based on Halloysite/Laponite Hybrid Hydrogel for Kartogenin Delivery.

A novel carrier system based on halloysite nanotubes (HNT), for the potential intraarticular delivery of kartogenin (KGN) by means laponite (Lap) hydrogel (HNT/KGN/Lap), is developed. The drug was first loaded into HNT, and the hybrid composite obtained was used as filler for laponite hydrogel. Both the filler and the hydrogel were thoroughly investigated by several techniques and the hydrogel morphology was imaged by transmission electron microscopy.

Pharmacological inhibition of GPR4 remediates intestinal inflammation in a mouse colitis model.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic, recurring inflammation of the digestive tract. Current therapeutic approaches are limited and include biologics and steroids such as anti-TNFα monoclonal antibodies and corticosteroids, respectively. Significant adverse drug effects can occur for chronic usage and include increased risk of infection in some patients.

Variability of non-clinical behavioral CNS safety assessment: An intercompany comparison.

Introduction: Irwin/FOB testing is routinely conducted to investigate the neurofunctional integrity of laboratory animals during preclinical development of new drugs, however, the study design frequently varies to meet specific needs. Representatives of several European-based pharmaceutical companies performed a "state-of-the-art" assessment of how they conduct their CNS safety evaluation using Irwin/FOB tests.

Methods: This assessment consisted of (1) a survey of current/historical practice, (2) an evaluation of historical studies with reference compounds (amphetamine, chlorpromazine) to determine intercompany reproducibility of results, and (3) an interlaboratory test using reference compounds (MK-801, chlorpromazine) to determine whether partially standardized conditions (animals, sex, doses, vehicles, administration route, observation time points, systemic exposure) might reduce variability of results.

Drug Analogs from Fragment-Based Long Short-Term Memory Generative Neural Networks.

Several recent reports have shown that long short-term memory generative neural networks (LSTM) of the type used for grammar learning efficiently learn to write Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) of druglike compounds when trained with SMILES from a database of bioactive compounds such as ChEMBL and can later produce focused sets upon transfer learning with compounds of specific bioactivity profiles. Here we trained an LSTM using molecules taken either from ChEMBL, DrugBank, commercially available fragments, or from FDB-17 (a database of fragments up to 17 atoms) and performed transfer learning to a single known drug to obtain new analogs of this drug. We found that this approach readily generates hundreds of relevant and diverse new drug analogs and works best with training sets of around 40,000 compounds as simple as commercial fragments.

Matching-adjusted indirect comparison: secukinumab versus infliximab in biologic-naive patients with psoriatic arthritis.

To compare secukinumab with infliximab in biologic-naive patients with psoriatic arthritis using matching-adjusted indirect comparison. Individual patient baseline data for secukinumab were matched to published aggregate data for infliximab by key baseline characteristics, with matching weights determined by logistic regression, and used to recalculate American College of Rheumatology (ACR) responses for secukinumab, for comparison with infliximab. There were no differences in outcomes between secukinumab and infliximab at weeks 6/8 and 14/16.

Enhanced CHO Clone Screening: Application of Targeted Locus Amplification and Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies for Cell Line Development.

Early analytical clone screening is important during Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line development of biotherapeutic proteins to select a clonally derived cell line with most favorable stability and product quality. Sensitive sequence confirmation methods using mass spectrometry have limitations in throughput and turnaround time. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies emerged as alternatives for CHO clone analytics.

Assessment of Clinical Meaningfulness of Endpoints in the Generation Program by the Insights to Model Alzheimer's Progression in Real Life (iMAP) Study.

We are launching the Insights to Model Alzheimer's Progression in Real Life study in parallel with the Alzheimer Prevention Initiative Generation Program. This is a 5-year, multinational, prospective, longitudinal, non-interventional cohort study that will collect data across the spectrum of Alzheimer's disease. The primary objective is to assess the ability of the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Cognitive Composite Test Score and Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status to predict clinically meaningful outcomes such as diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, and change in Clinical Dementia Rating - Global Score.

The long and winding road in pharmaceutical development of canakinumab from rare genetic autoinflammatory syndromes to myocardial infarction and cancer.

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) is an ancient and evolutionary conserved cytokine, which orchestrates innate immune responses triggered by infections in vertebrates. While temporally limited induction of IL-1β protects the organism against traumatic or infectious insults, its chronic production in unabated inflammation causes or enhances clinical manifestations of disease in almost all organ systems. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of IL-1β in a variety of clinical inflammatory conditions may provide symptomatic relief or profound disease modification.

Dual-controlled optogenetic system for the rapid down-regulation of protein levels in mammalian cells.

Optogenetic switches are emerging molecular tools for studying cellular processes as they offer higher spatiotemporal and quantitative precision than classical, chemical-based switches. Light-controllable gene expression systems designed to upregulate protein expression levels meanwhile show performances superior to their chemical-based counterparts. However, systems to reduce protein levels with similar efficiency are lagging behind.

In vitro and in vivo characterization of a novel, highly potent p53-MDM2 inhibitor.

Small molecule inhibitors of the p53-MDM2 protein complex are under intense investigation in clinical trials as anti-cancer agents, including our first generation inhibitor NVP-CGM097. We recently described the rational design of a novel pyrazolopyrrolidinone core as a new lead structure and now we report on the synthesis and optimization of this to provide a highly potent lead compound. This new compound displayed excellent oral efficacy in our preclinical mechanistic in vivo model and marked a significant milestone towards the identification of our second generation clinical candidate NVP-HDM201.

Comparison of the Kinase Profile of Midostaurin (Rydapt) with That of Its Predominant Metabolites and the Potential Relevance of Some Newly Identified Targets to Leukemia Therapy.

The multitargeted protein kinase inhibitor midostaurin is approved for the treatment of both newly diagnosed FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and KIT-driven advanced systemic mastocytosis. AML is a heterogeneous malignancy, and investigational drugs targeting FLT3 have shown disparate effects in patients with FLT3-mutated AML, probably as a result of their inhibiting different targets and pathways at the administered doses. However, the efficacy and side effects of drugs do not just reflect the biochemical and pharmacodynamic properties of the parent compound but are often comprised of complex cooperative effects between the properties of the parent and active metabolites.

SLC2A9 (GLUT9) mediates urate reabsorption in the mouse kidney.

Uric acid (UA) is a metabolite of purine degradation and is involved in gout flairs and kidney stones formation. GLUT9 (SLC2A9) was previously shown to be a urate transporter in vitro. In vivo, humans carrying GLUT9 loss-of-function mutations have familial renal hypouricemia type 2, a condition characterized by hypouricemia, UA renal wasting associated with kidney stones, and an increased propensity to acute renal failure during strenuous exercise.

Nonclinical Safety Assessment of CFZ533, a Fc-Silent Anti-CD40 Antibody, in Cynomolgus Monkeys.

CFZ533 is a pathway blocking, nondepleting anti-CD40 antibody that is in clinical development for inhibition of transplant organ rejection and therapy for autoimmune diseases. A 26-week GLP toxicity study in sexually mature Cynomolgus monkeys was conducted in order to support chronic application of CFZ533. CFZ533 was subcutaneously administered at doses up to 150 mg/kg/week and was safe and generally well tolerated.

CNS distribution, signalling properties and central effects of G-protein coupled receptor 4.

Information on the distribution and biology of the G-protein coupled receptor 4 (GPR4) in the brain is limited. It is currently thought that GPR4 couples to G proteins and may mediate central respiratory sensitivity to CO. Using a knock-in mouse model, abundant GPR4 expression was detected in the cerebrovascular endothelium and neurones of dorsal raphe, retro-trapezoidal nucleus locus coeruleus and lateral septum.

N-aryl-piperidine-4-carboxamides as a novel class of potent inhibitors of MALT1 proteolytic activity.

Starting from a weak screening hit, potent and selective inhibitors of the MALT1 protease function were elaborated. Advanced compounds displayed high potency in biochemical and cellular assays. Compounds showed activity in a mechanistic Jurkat T cell activation assay as well as in the B-cell lymphoma line OCI-Ly3, which suggests potential use of MALT1 inhibitors in the treatment of autoimmune diseases as well as B-cell lymphomas with a dysregulated NF-κB pathway.

Modulating ADME Properties by Fluorination: MK2 Inhibitors with Improved Oral Exposure.

MAP-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) plays an important role in the regulation of innate immune response as well as in cell survival upon DNA damage. Despite its potential for the treatment of inflammation and cancer, to date no MK2 low molecular weight inhibitors have reached the clinic, mainly due to inadequate absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties. We describe here an approach based on specifically placed fluorine within a recently described pyrrole-based MK2 inhibitor scaffold for manipulation of its physicochemical and ADME properties.