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 [...]

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.

Nerandomilast (BI 1015550) is Boehringer Ingelheim’s PDE4B inhibitor with demonstrated clinical potential in treating IPF.

Bexotegrast is a dual-selective αvβ6-αvβ1 integrin inhibitor with surprising efficacy and safety data from a Ph. II trial in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The αv integrins have been studied for decades in indications such as cancer and IPF. Both small molecule and antibody-based integrin inhibitors have demonstrated preclinical toxicities in non-human primates. This article highlights the unmet need for effective therapies for IPF and related conditions, a comparison of bexotegrast with other integrin binders, and possible reasons why bexotegrast is different in terms of safety.