1. Discovery of DNL343: A Potent, Selective, and Brain-Penetrant eIF2B Activator Designed for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases.
- Author
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Craig RA 2nd, De Vicente J, Estrada AA, Feng JA, Lexa KW, Canet MJ, Dowdle WE, Erickson RI, Flores BN, Haddick PCG, Kane LA, Lewcock JW, Moerke NJ, Poda SB, Sweeney Z, Takahashi RH, Tong V, Wang J, Yulyaningsih E, Solanoy H, Scearce-Levie K, Sanchez PE, Tang L, Xu M, Zhang R, and Osipov M
- Subjects
- Humans, Mutation, Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2B genetics, Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2B metabolism, Brain metabolism, Neurodegenerative Diseases drug therapy, Neurodegenerative Diseases metabolism, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis drug therapy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis metabolism, Leukoencephalopathies metabolism
- Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B) is a key component of the integrated stress response (ISR), which regulates protein synthesis and stress granule formation in response to cellular insult. Modulation of the ISR has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as vanishing white matter (VWM) disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) based on its ability to improve cellular homeostasis and prevent neuronal degeneration. Herein, we report the small-molecule discovery campaign that identified potent, selective, and CNS-penetrant eIF2B activators using both structure- and ligand-based drug design. These discovery efforts culminated in the identification of DNL343, which demonstrated a desirable preclinical drug profile, including a long half-life and high oral bioavailability across preclinical species. DNL343 was progressed into clinical studies and is currently undergoing evaluation in late-stage clinical trials for ALS.
- Published
- 2024
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