Sonrotoclax, BeiGene’s clinical-stage, orally bioavailable, next-generation inhibitor, targets both WT and mutated forms of the Bcl-2 protein by binding within a hydrophobic groove, similar to other inhibitors in its class. Explore this case study to see how sonrotoclax was rationally designed to potency against both WT and mutant Bcl-2 and address the limitations of first-generation inhibitors and more!

BMS-986397 is a potential first-in-class CRBN-based selective CK1α molecular glue degrader. CK1α promotes tumor growth by enhancing MDM2 and MDMX degradation of the tumor suppressor p53. Since AML has a low TP53 mutation rate, activating the p53 pathway is a promising approach; however, p53 activators have faced challenges due to hematological toxicities. Targeting CK1α degradation offers an alternative approach. The BMS team sought to develop a CELMoD® for CK1α degradation. This article outlines the discovery of BMS-986397, as presented at the ACS Fall 2024 meeting in Denver, CO.

Vorasidenib (AG-881) is a brain-penetrant allosteric inhibitor of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenases 1 and 2 (mIDH1/2) from Agios and Celgene that made headlines summer 2023 due to its stunning efficacy for treatment of glioma in patients with mIDH1/2. This Featured Case Study reviews how it was discovered, how it works, and why it matters.

STX-478 is a wild-type-sparing, oral, CNS-penetrant, novel allosteric inhibitor of mutant PI3Kα (phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase α) targeting a cryptic pocket near the ATP-binding site. PI3Kα plays a central role in many cancers, and has been recently highlighted in coverage of 2021 Molecule of the Year nominee and PI3Kα degrader inavolisib. Currently approved PI3Kα modulators are limited by their off-target activities on WT PI3Kα and other kinases, leading to significant side effects including hyperglycemia and rash.

Inavolisib is a PI3Kα isoform-selective kinase inhibitor and monovalent degrader of the mutant p110α catalytic subunit of mutant PI3Kα. The molecule selectively depletes mutant p110α in cancer cells with active RTK (receptor tyrosine kinase) signaling and is in several ongoing or planned Ph. III trials for breast cancer. In October 2024, it received FDA approval for use in combination with palbociclib and fulvestrant to treat adults with endocrine-resistant, PIK3CA-mutated, HR+/HER2- breast cancer. This article explains how it works, how it was discovered, and why it matters.