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New kinase inhibitors can be found by synthesis of targeted arrays of compounds designed using system-based knowledge as well as through screening focused or diverse compounds. Most array strategies aim to add functionality to a fragment that binds in the purine subpocket of the ATP-site. Here, an alternative pharmacophore-guided array approach is described which set out to discover novel purine subpocket-binding groups. Results are shown for p38alpha and cFMS kinase, for which multiple distinct series with nanomolar potency were discovered. Some of the compounds showed potency in cell-based assays and good pharmacokinetic properties.

A short sequence involving Rh(II) mediated carbene insertion followed by Lewis acid promoted reductive acetal cleavage with Et3SiH provides a stereoselective method for the construction of 2,3,5-trisubstituted tetrahydrofuran rings.

Inhibition of Itk potentially constitutes a novel, nonsteroidal treatment for asthma and other T-cell mediated diseases. In-house kinase cross-screening resulted in the identification of an aminopyrazole-based series of Itk inhibitors. Initial work on this series highlighted selectivity issues with several other kinases, particularly AurA and AurB. A template-hopping strategy was used to identify a series of aminobenzothiazole Itk inhibitors, which utilized an inherently more selective hinge binding motif. Crystallography and modeling were used to rationalize the observed selectivity. Initial exploration of the SAR around this series identified potent Itk inhibitors in both enzyme and cellular assays.

The biphenyl amides are a novel series of p38 MAP kinase inhibitors. Structure–activity relationships of the series against p38α are discussed with reference to the X-ray crystal structure of an example. The series was optimised rapidly to a compound showing oral activity in an in vivo disease model.