Discovery of Selective and Potent Macrocyclic CDK9 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Osimertinib-Resistant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

J Med Chem. 2023 Nov 23;66(22):15340-15361. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01400. Epub 2023 Oct 23.

Abstract

Effectiveness of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, including Osimertinib, for treating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is limited due to the continuous emergence of drug resistance. Hence, it is urgent to develop new therapeutic approaches. CDK9, a key regulator of RNA transcription, has emerged as a promising target for the development of antitumor drugs due to its crucial role in modulating the levels of antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1. Herein, we present the synthesis, optimization, and evaluation of selective CDK9 inhibitors with a macrocyclic scaffold that effectively suppresses the growth of NSCLC cells. Notably, compound Z11, a potent CDK9 inhibitor (IC50 = 3.20 nM) with good kinase selectivity, significantly inhibits cell proliferation and colony formation and induces apoptosis in Osimertinib-resistant H1975 cells. Furthermore, Z11 demonstrates a significant suppression of tumor growth in six patient-derived organoids, including three organoids resistant to Osimertinib. Overall, Z11 served as a promising macrocycle-based CDK9 inhibitor for treating Osimertinib-resistant NSCLC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aniline Compounds / pharmacology
  • Aniline Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / drug therapy
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Macrocyclic Compounds* / pharmacology
  • Macrocyclic Compounds* / therapeutic use
  • Mutation
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Aniline Compounds
  • CDK9 protein, human
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9
  • ErbB Receptors
  • osimertinib
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Macrocyclic Compounds