Genentech announced that fenebrutinib (GDC-0853), a non-covalent BTK inhibitor entering Ph. III, showed significant human CNS exposure and reduced new brain lesions in Ph. II for relapsing multiple sclerosis. Fenebrutinib is the only reversible BTK inhibitor in Ph. III for MS, and has the opportunity to differentiate on safety relative to covalent inhibitors. This case study highlights notable challenges overcome in the discovery of fenebrutinib including surprising metabolism, animal-specific on-target toxicity, and more.

Despite the remarkable emergence of HAART in the 1990s, the fight against HIV infection is by no means finished. At the ACS Fall 2024 meeting in Denver, CO, Gilead Sciences presented the structure and discovery story of elunonavir (GS-1156), a novel HIV protease inhibitor with remarkable metabolic stability and a human half-life exceeding two weeks. Based on BMS’ atazanavir, the compound incorporates structural elements inspired by Gilead’s HCV NS5A inhibitor program which led to ledipasvir, as “stabilizer” motifs to avoid the extensive CYP metabolism seen in current inhibitors.

NDI-101150 is an oral HPK1 inhibitor discovered by Nimbus Therapeutics and is currently in Ph. I/II clinical trial in advanced solid tumors. HPK1 is a compelling immuno-oncology target due to its critical role in regulating T-cells, B-cells, and dendritic cell-mediated immune responses. HPK1-deficient mice demonstrate enhanced anti-tumor T-cell responses and resistance to tumor growth. In this article, we detail the discovery of NDI-101150, as highlighted by Nimbus at the ACS Fall 2024 First-Time Disclosures session, interim results from the clinic, and more.

Xanamem® is Actinogen Medical's cortisol-blocking drug targeting the 11β-HSD1 (11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) enzyme.

NT-0796 is NodThera's pro-drug inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. NT-0796 is currently in a Ph. Ib/IIa trial in obese individuals at risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. NT-0796 has the potential to reduce neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease. The NLRP3 inflammasome has emerged as a hot target due to its connection to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, gout, and other diseases. Here is a detailed review of the role of NLRP3 inhibition in treating atherosclerosis, how NT-0796 was identified, and what makes it special, clinical development, and more.