Discovery of ERD-12310A as an Exceptionally Potent and Orally Efficacious PROTAC Degrader of Estrogen Receptor α (ERα)

J Med Chem. 2024 Dec 12;67(23):20933-20965. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01401. Epub 2024 Nov 25.

Abstract

Inhibition of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) signaling is an established therapeutic approach for the treatment of ER-positive (ER+) breast cancers, but new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to overcome clinical resistance. In the present study, we describe the discovery and extensive evaluation of ERD-12310A as an exceptionally potent and orally efficacious PROTAC degrader of ERα. ERD-12310A achieved a DC50 value of 47 pM and is 10 times more potent than ARV-471. ERD-12310A displayed an improved pharmacokinetic profile in mice and rats over ARV-471. ERD-12310A attained tumor regression in the ER+, estrogen-dependent MCF-7 breast cancer xenograft model with wild-type ER and is more potent than ARV-471. Importantly, ERD-12310A achieved strong tumor growth inhibition in MCF-7 xenograft tumors harboring the clinically relevant ESR1Y537S mutation, which confers resistance to traditional antiestrogens. Our data position ERD-12310A as a promising candidate for further development as a potential therapy for ER+ breast cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Drug Discovery
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • ESR1 protein, human