Discovery and development of Galeterone (TOK-001 or VN/124-1) for the treatment of all stages of prostate cancer

J Med Chem. 2015 Mar 12;58(5):2077-87. doi: 10.1021/jm501239f. Epub 2015 Jan 28.

Abstract

In our effort to discover potent and specific inhibitors of 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17), the key enzyme which catalyzes the biosynthesis of androgens from progestins, 3β-(hydroxy)-17-(1H-benzimidazole-1-yl)androsta-5,16-diene (Galeterone or TOK-001, formerly called VN/124-1) was identified as a selective development candidate which modulates multiple targets in the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway. This drug annotation summarizes the mechanisms of action, scientific rationale, medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetic properties, and human efficacy data for galeterone, which has successfully completed phase II clinical development in men with castration resistant (advanced) prostate cancer (CRPC). Phase III clinical studies in CRPC patients are scheduled to begin in early 2015.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists / pharmacokinetics
  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Androstadienes / pharmacokinetics
  • Androstadienes / therapeutic use*
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacokinetics
  • Benzimidazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Structure
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Receptors, Androgen / chemistry*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • AR protein, human
  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists
  • Androstadienes
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase
  • 3-hydroxy-17-(1H-benzimidazole-1-yl)androsta-5,16-diene