Discovery of MK-1468: A Potent, Kinome-Selective, Brain-Penetrant Amidoisoquinoline LRRK2 Inhibitor for the Potential Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

J Med Chem. 2023 Nov 9;66(21):14912-14927. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01486. Epub 2023 Oct 20.

Abstract

Genetic mutation of the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) protein has been associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), a disabling and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is devoid of efficacious disease-modifying therapies. Herein, we describe the invention of an amidoisoquinoline (IQ)-derived LRRK2 inhibitor lead chemical series. Knowledge-, structure-, and property-based drug design in concert with rigorous application of in silico calculations and presynthesis predictions enabled the prioritization of molecules with favorable CNS "drug-like" physicochemical properties. This resulted in the discovery of compound 8, which was profiled extensively before human ether-a-go-go (hERG) ion channel inhibition halted its progression. Strategic reduction of lipophilicity and basicity resulted in attenuation of hERG ion channel inhibition while maintaining a favorable CNS efflux transporter profile. Further structure- and property-based optimizations resulted in the discovery of preclinical candidate MK-1468. This exquisitely selective LRRK2 inhibitor has a projected human dose of 48 mg BID and a preclinical safety profile that supported advancement toward GLP toxicology studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / metabolism
  • Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2
  • Mutation
  • Parkinson Disease* / drug therapy
  • Parkinson Disease* / metabolism
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Ion Channels
  • LRRK2 protein, human