Discovery and Optimization of a Novel Series of Highly Selective JAK1 Kinase Inhibitors

J Med Chem. 2018 Jun 28;61(12):5235-5244. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00076. Epub 2018 Jun 13.

Abstract

Janus kinases (JAKs) have been demonstrated to be critical in cytokine signaling and have thus been implicated in both cancer and inflammatory diseases. The JAK family consists of four highly homologous members: JAK1-3 and TYK2. The development of small-molecule inhibitors that are selective for a specific family member would represent highly desirable tools for deconvoluting the intricacies of JAK family biology. Herein, we report the discovery of a potent JAK1 inhibitor, 24, which displays ∼1000-fold selectivity over the other highly homologous JAK family members (determined by biochemical assays), while also possessing good selectivity over other kinases (determined by panel screening). Moreover, this compound was demonstrated to be orally bioavailable and possesses acceptable pharmacokinetic parameters. In an in vivo study, the compound was observed to dose dependently modulate the phosphorylation of STAT3 (a downstream marker of JAK1 inhibition).

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Biological Availability
  • Cell Line
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinase 1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Janus Kinase 1 / chemistry
  • Janus Kinase 1 / metabolism
  • Janus Kinase 2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Janus Kinase 2 / metabolism
  • Janus Kinase 3 / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • STAT3 protein, human
  • JAK1 protein, human
  • JAK2 protein, human
  • JAK3 protein, human
  • Janus Kinase 1
  • Janus Kinase 2
  • Janus Kinase 3