BMS-986365 is a potential best-in-class heterobifunctional ligand-directed degrader of WT AR. This full case study details how this heterobifunctional degrader was engineered to have low intrinsic agonism and exert direct antagonism of WT AR through occupancy of its ligand-binding domain, how the dual modality of BMS-986365 results in deep AR pathway inhibition and allows antagonism to reinforce degradation to combat compensatory resistance mechanisms, its attractive preclinical profile, interim clinical data, how it differentiates from Arvinas’ first-to-clinic AR degraders, and more!

Bomedemstat (MK-3543, IMG-7289) is Merck’s irreversible LSD1 (lysine-specific demethylase 1) inhibitor for MPNs.

Vorasidenib (AG-881) is a brain-penetrant allosteric inhibitor of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenases 1 and 2 (mIDH1/2) from Agios and Celgene that made headlines summer 2023 due to its stunning efficacy for treatment of glioma in patients with mIDH1/2. This Featured Case Study reviews how it was discovered, how it works, and why it matters.

Pfizer disclosed the structure and discovery of their oral small molecule BDK inhibitor/degrader, PF-07328948, during the ACS Fall 2024 First-Time Disclosures session in Denver. The team identified a thiophene carboxylic acid-based hit targeting an allosteric pocket on BDK. Through optimization, they overcame challenges such as potential IADRs and BDK-E2 complex stabilization. By manipulating the dihedral angle of the methoxy group, they enhanced binding interactions, verifying PF-07328948's unexpected mechanism of action in vivo. PF-07328948 is currently Ph. I trials.

BAY 2925976 is a novel oral ARα2C antagonist developed by Bayer for the treatment of OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), a widespread condition affecting nearly one billion people globally. Despite the availability of mechanical treatments like CPAP, poor adherence rates highlight the need for more effective interventions. BAY 2925976 demonstrated a preclinical proof of concept for ARα₂C modulation as a potential therapeutic approach for OSA. In this article, we detail the discovery of BAY 2925976, as highlighted by Michael Hahn at the ACS Fall 2024 First-Time Disclosures session in Denver, CO.