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.

“compound 12” is a selective inhibitor of integrin αvβ5, a potential target for sepsis due to its potential role in regulating vascular leakage. Selectivity among integrin family members can be challenging to achieve and can have significant safety implications – hence, most integrin drugs have been selective biologics. Since the biological [...]

Context. AZD4831 (AstraZeneca) is an oral covalent myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitor being developed for heart failure. Almost half of chronic heart disease patients suffer from heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and have an estimated five-year mortality rate of 75% . Improvement in vascular structure could help these [...]

AstraZeneca recently disclosed the structure and discovery journey of their oral small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor, AZD0780, during the ACS Fall 2024 First Time Disclosures session in Denver. Discover how the team identified a fragment hit targeting a previously unexplored pocket, verified its novel mechanism of action, and successfully advanced it into a clinical compound now in Ph. II trials for patients with dyslipidemia.

Context. Obicetrapib (Monash University and NewAmsterdam Pharma) is an oral selective cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor being developed for dyslipidemia. Patients with high cardiovascular risk typically aim to lower cholesterol with a combination of statins, diet, and exercise, but this is often not enough . A foundational [...]