Optimization of a Class of Dihydrobenzofurane Analogs toward Orally Efficacious YAP-TEAD Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors

Abstract

The inhibition of the YAP-TEAD protein-protein interaction constitutes a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancers linked to the dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway. The identification of a class of small molecules which potently inhibit the YAP-TEAD interaction by binding tightly to the Ω-loop pocket of TEAD has previously been communicated. This report details the further multi-parameter optimization of this class of compounds resulting in advanced analogs combining nanomolar cellular potency with a balanced ADME and off-target profile, and efficacy of these compounds in tumor bearing mice is demonstrated for the first time.

Keywords: PPI inhibitors; TEAD; YAP; in vivo efficacy; multi-parameter optimization.