PF-05221304 is a liver targeted inhibitor of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). ACC is a key regulator of lipid metabolism, and there has been significant interest in ACC inhibitors for the treatment of multiple indications including NASH and diabetes. Pfizer previously took a systemic ACC inhibitor into the clinic (PF-05175157), which was found [...]

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.

On Mar. 14th, 2024, resmetirom (REZDIFFRA™) became the first and only medicine approved by the FDA for the treatment of NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, aka MASH). Resmetirom, an oral, liver-targeting, once-daily THR-β-selective agonist originally discovered at Roche Nutley, was first highlighted as a Molecule of the Month in Dec. 2022. Now, with the FDA’s accelerated approval, this 2023 Molecule of the Year nominee reflects a historic milestone for liver drug discovery. This article reviews how the molecule works, how it was discovered, and why it’s a big deal.

PF-06835919 is an oral first-in-class clinical candidate for NAFLD/NASH targeting ketohexokinase (KHK), an enzyme which initiates the metabolism of fructose. The authors describe a very elegant structure-based design campaign to improve a modestly active, quickly cleared lead molecule into this highly potent, permeable, bioavailable, and [...]

BI-9787 is a potent zwitterionic inhibitor of KHK (ketohexokinase) designed to explore the therapeutic potential of KHK inhibition in metabolic disorders like diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis).