Context. Lenrispodun (Intra-Cellular Therapies) is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 1 (PDE1) inhibitor being developed for CNS and non-CNS disorders, including heart failure, and cancer. Studies to identify PDE inhibitors date back at least 30 years, and at least 10 drugs have been approved targeting other PDE proteins (spearheaded by the PDE5 [...]

BI-0115 inhibits the C-type lectin family member lectin-like oxidized LDL-receptor-1 (LOX-1) by stabilizing an inactive tetrameric form of the protein. Interestingly, co-crystollography demonstrates that inter-ligand interactions between two BI-0115 molecules contribute to the dimerization of LOX-1 homodimers.

The Merck bicyclic macrocyclic peptide PCSK9 inhibitor, “ compound 44 ,” is a highly potent (Ki = 0.00239 nM) and orally bioavailable (cyno %F = 2.9, t1/2 = 10 h) agent against a notoriously difficult target for small molecules, demonstrating target engagement comparable to approved PCSK9 antibodies. The discovery of this molecule is an [...]

Recently, a surge of (pre)clinical compounds inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome, often featuring a hexahydroindacene ring system, has emerged, including Nodthera’s ND-0796. In a push for new chemotypes, AZ and Mitsubishi Tanabe have disclosed their clinical compound, AZD4144, which is currently in Ph. I trials in healthy volunteers. The discovery story detailed their efforts to overcome PLD (phospholipidosis), genotoxicity, and hERG inhibition in a non-classical pharmacophore series. The discovery was presented by Anders Johansson at the EFMC-ISMC 2024 Meeting in Rome.

BAY 2413555 is a M2R PAM that has the potential to counter parasympathetic withdrawal and restore autonomic balance in heart failure patients. The preclinical and clinical data of BAY 2413555 showed it has positive effects on heart rate and heart rate variability and a relatively long human t1/2 of 37 h. The Ph. I trial, however, was terminated in March 2024 due to findings from a chronic toxicology study. This article covers the discovery of BAY 2413555, presented by Alexandros Vakalopoulos of Bayer at the EFMC-ISMC 2024 conference in Rome and published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.