Development of Improved Synthetic Routes to Pixatimod (PG545), a Sulfated Oligosaccharide-Steroid Conjugate

Bioconjug Chem. 2021 Nov 17;32(11):2420-2431. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00453. Epub 2021 Oct 15.

Abstract

The heparan sulfate (HS) mimetic pixatimod (PG545) is a highly potent inhibitor of angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis currently in clinical trials for cancer. PG545 has also demonstrated potent antiviral activity against numerous HS-dependent viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and shows promise as an antiviral drug for the treatment of COVID-19. Structurally, PG545 consists of a fully sulfated tetrasaccharide conjugated to the steroid 5α-cholestan-3β-ol. The reported synthesis of PG545 suffers from a low yield and poor selectivity in the critical glycosylation step. Given its clinical importance, new efficient routes for the synthesis of PG545 and analogues were developed. Particular attention was given to improving the key glycosylation step by using more stable protecting groups and optimized glycosyl donors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • COVID-19*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Heparitin Sulfate
  • Humans
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Heparitin Sulfate