Discovery of ERD-3111 as a Potent and Orally Efficacious Estrogen Receptor PROTAC Degrader with Strong Antitumor Activity

J Med Chem. 2023 Sep 14;66(17):12559-12585. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01186. Epub 2023 Aug 30.

Abstract

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is a prime target for the treatment of ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Despite the development of several effective therapies targeting ERα signaling, clinical resistance remains a major challenge. In this study, we report the discovery of a new class of potent and orally bioavailable ERα degraders using the PROTAC technology, with ERD-3111 being the most promising compound. ERD-3111 exhibits potent in vitro degradation activity against ERα and demonstrates high oral bioavailability in mice, rats, and dogs. Oral administration of ERD-3111 effectively reduces the levels of wild-type and mutated ERα proteins in tumor tissues. ERD-3111 achieves tumor regression or complete tumor growth inhibition in the parental MCF-7 xenograft model with wild-type ER and two clinically relevant ESR1 mutated models in mice. ERD-3111 is a promising ERα degrader for further extensive evaluations for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Biological Availability
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Dogs
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Estrogen*

Substances

  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha