2021 First-in-Class Small Molecule Drugs

Among the small molecule highlights in January’s news were a $100M+ Series A for a PARP1 + PI3Kα-focused company, clinical data with an SLC inhibitor for PKU, a 5-HT2C superagonist for seizures, and a NK1,3 dual antagonist for women’s health. A novel anti-obesity agent from phenotypic screening also made headlines, and the close of a major acquisition may bring relief to the industry. You can read about these notable scientific highlights and more below.

Recently, we summarized the novel small molecule drug approvals of 2023 (34/55). The remaining 21 molecular entities approved were large molecules like proteins and oligonucleotides, accounting for nearly 38% of the total approvals. Notably, seven of these large molecules have earned the prestigious Breakthrough Therapy designation, relative to the two small molecules that share this recognition. A summary of approvals for large molecule drugs, accompanied by links to FDA labels and additional information pertaining to the drug's discovery and originators, appears here.

There were 16 acquisitions of companies with small molecule drug assets in 2021 and one merger. Here is a more in-depth look into all of the lead small molecules acquired in 2021, including a review of: The lead molecules in each acquisition and their structural representations where disclosed The mechanism of action, stage, and indication of [...]

KIN-3248 (Kinnate Biopharma) is a next-generation, irreversible, pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor (FGFRi) in a first-in-human (FIH) dose-escalation study (NCT05242822) in adults with advanced tumors harboring FGFR2 and FGFR3 gene alterations. The program is an excellent case study for rational covalent drug design to address kinase mutations while maintaining sufficient PK properties for oral daily dosing in humans.

Here’s a rundown of August’s key clinical developments, including FDA approvals, potential upcoming approvals, notable trial readouts, new NDA submissions, and pipeline realignments.