The Cytokinetics next-generation myosin inhibitor, aficamten , is a phase II candidate for genetic hypertrophic cardiomyopathies, and is orally dosed between 5-30 mg QD. It follows BMS’s mavacamten ( acquired from Myokardia in a $13.1B deal), whose NDA is under review by the FDA. This class of molecules is intended to address hypertrophic [...]

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.

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 [...]

asundexian (BAY2433334) is a reversible Factor XIa active site inhibitor previously disclosed at the 2021 EFMC-ISMC conference . This article highlights the Ph. I data of asundexian in healthy volunteers, showing that the drug is well tolerated, with no clinically relevant bleeding-related adverse events or any relevant CYP3A4 modulation. The [...]

BMS-986235/LAR-1219 is an FPR1-sparing FPR2-selective agonist intended to help resolve chronic inflammation/promote wound healing to prevent serious complications like heart failure. It’s a very efficient molecule and is orally efficacious in a mouse myocardial infarction model at doses as low as 0.3 mg/pk, despite having 3 N-H donors (urea + [...]