Identification and preclinical characterization of AZ-23, a novel, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of the Trk kinase pathway

Mol Cancer Ther. 2009 Jul;8(7):1818-27. doi: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-09-0036. Epub 2009 Jun 9.

Abstract

Tropomyosin-related kinases (TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC) are receptor tyrosine kinases that, along with their ligands, the neurotrophins, are involved in neuronal cell growth, development, and survival. The Trk-neurotrophin pathway may also play a role in tumorigenesis through oncogenic fusions, mutations, and autocrine signaling, prompting the development of novel Trk inhibitors as agents for cancer therapy. This report describes the identification of AZ-23, a novel, potent, and selective Trk kinase inhibitor. In vitro studies with AZ-23 showed improved selectivity over previous compounds and inhibition of Trk kinase activity in cells at low nanomolar concentrations. AZ-23 showed in vivo TrkA kinase inhibition and efficacy in mice following oral administration in a TrkA-driven allograft model and significant tumor growth inhibition in a Trk-expressing xenograft model of neuroblastoma. AZ-23 represents a potent and selective Trk kinase inhibitor from a novel series with the potential for use as a treatment for cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Biological Availability
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Immunoblotting
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Mice, Nude
  • Mice, SCID
  • Neuroblastoma / drug therapy*
  • Neuroblastoma / metabolism
  • Neuroblastoma / pathology
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Pyrimidines / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacokinetics
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
  • Receptor, trkA / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / physiology
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays*

Substances

  • 5-chloro-N2-(1-(5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)ethyl)-N4-(5-isopropoxy-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyrimidine-2,4-diamine
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Pyrimidines
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • Receptor, trkA