PLX-4545 is an oral CRBN-based molecular glue degrader of IKZF2 in Ph. I trials. It potentially addresses anti-tumor immunity suppression within the TME, critical in checkpoint blocker resistance. Tumors use IKZF2 to regulate the function of regulatory T cells and inhibit effector T cells. IKZF2 depletion in regulatory T cells enhances the anti-tumor response. The discovery and structural data of PLX-4545 were presented by Kevin Freeman-Cook at the ACS Fall 2024 First-Time Disclosures session in Denver, CO. We are reporting the discovery story and its potential impact on immuno-oncology.

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.

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.

Nuvalent’s lead compound, NVL-520, is an oral, brain-penetrant, TRK-sparing, and potential best-in-class ROS1 kinase inhibitor that recently entered Ph. II of the ARROS-1 trial (NCT05118789) in patients with advanced ROS1-positive NSCLC. This article highlights what makes the Nuvalent’s NVL-520 program scientifically notable, including what gives it a potential best-in-class profile as a ROS1 inhibitor, the emerging toxicology of hard-to-avoid off-targets, an interesting synthetic route to the small macrocycle, and more.

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.