Discovery of a Selective and Orally Bioavailable FGFR2 Degrader for Treating Gastric Cancer

J Med Chem. 2023 Jun 8;66(11):7438-7453. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00150. Epub 2023 May 23.

Abstract

Abnormal activation of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) results in the development and progression of human cancers. FGFR2 is frequently amplified or mutated in cancers; therefore, it is an attractive target for tumor therapy. Despite the development of several pan-FGFR inhibitors, their long-term therapeutic efficacy is hindered by acquired mutations and low isoform selectivity. Herein, we report the discovery of an efficient and selective FGFR2 proteolysis-targeting chimeric molecule, LC-MB12, that incorporates an essential rigid linker. LC-MB12 preferentially internalizes and degrades membrane-bound FGFR2 among the four FGFR isoforms; this may promote greater clinical benefits. LC-MB12 exhibits superior potency in FGFR signaling suppression and anti-proliferative activity compared to the parental inhibitor. Furthermore, LC-MB12 is orally bioavailable and shows significant antitumor effects in FGFR2-dependent gastric cancer in vivo. Taken together, LC-MB12 is a candidate FGFR2 degrader for alternative FGFR2-targeting strategies and offers a promising starting point for drug development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stomach Neoplasms* / pathology

Substances

  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • FGFR2 protein, human