Yasinalli Tamboli, Laurent Ferron, Gerald W Zamponi
{"title":"T-type calcium channel blockers: a review of recent advances (2018-2025).","authors":"Yasinalli Tamboli, Laurent Ferron, Gerald W Zamponi","doi":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2713553","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2713553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>T-type calcium channels are critical for a number of physiological and pathophysiological processes and are potential molecular targets for antiepileptics, analgesics, and drugs that alleviate essential tremor. There have been extensive efforts in identifying and developing novel small organic compounds that block the activities of T-type calcium channels. This is reflected in a number of patent applications and issued patents that cover such molecules.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Literature and patent databases (PubMed, Scopus, WoS, USPTO, EPO, SciFinder, Lens, Patentscope, Google Patents, Freepatentsonline) were searched from 2018 to 2025. This review updates the landscape of T-type calcium channel blockers focusing on patented organic small molecules categorized by chemical scaffold.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Multiple molecules that target T-type calcium channels have been tested in preclinical models, and some have recently advanced into the clinic. Adverse effects of pan‑T-type calcium channel blockers that have been reported in clinical trials for essential tremors may perhaps be avoided by the development of T-type channel subtype-specific inhibitors.</p>","PeriodicalId":12314,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents","volume":" ","pages":"849-864"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148648357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Autotaxin inhibitors: an updated patent review (2021-present).","authors":"Xiujian Wei, Chengjing Zhao, Zhi Cao, Zehui Tan, Xin Zhai","doi":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2704850","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2704850","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Autotaxin (ATX) inhibition has attracted considerable interest as a therapeutic strategy, resulting in more than 50 patents being published by various institutions over the past five years. Consequently, a review of these patented compounds and related research progress could facilitate the discovery of novel ATX inhibitors.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review summarizes ATX inhibitors disclosed in patents from September 2020 to Jan 2026, identified from Espacenet and SciFinder using keyword 'Autotaxin,' and highlights structural features and biological activities <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo.</i></p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Currently, beyond the Phase II candidates PAT409 and HW021199, ATX inhibitors FTP-198 and HNC1058 have entered Phase I clinical trials for pulmonary fibrosis, while IOA-289 and HNC664 have advanced to clinical studies for solid tumors, underscoring the immense therapeutic potential of ATX. Although the identification of type V and VI ATX inhibitors has broadened the design landscape, most emerging entities since 2020 remain analogs of GLPG1690 and PAT409, presumably being attributed to the unavailable data of most clinical candidates, and despite the absence of approved drugs, the continued evolution of drug design strategies and application of novel technologies would further facilitate the discovery of ATX candidates, ultimately offering more therapeutic options for patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":12314,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents","volume":" ","pages":"797-812"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148435831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A patent review of mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitors for the treatment of different cancers (2021-2025).","authors":"Haixiang Qi, Jiayang Wen, Heng Xu","doi":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2704853","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2704853","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Oncogenic <i>PIK3CA</i> mutations drive numerous solid tumors, rendering PI3Kα a key therapeutic target. However, conventional ATP-competitive inhibitors are severely limited by dose-limiting metabolic toxicities caused by wild-type PI3Kα inhibition. To circumvent these limitations, the drug discovery landscape is rapidly shifting toward mutant-selective allosteric inhibitors designed to spare physiological signaling and expand the therapeutic window.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Utilizing the Cortellis Drug Discovery Intelligence (CDDI) database, this review evaluates patents of PI3Kα mutant-selective inhibitors disclosed between 2021 and 2025. The analysis focuses on structural features, pharmacological profiles, and medicinal chemistry strategies employed to achieve high selectivity for oncogenic mutants over the wild-type enzyme. Specifically, we examine the binding modes across two distinct allosteric domains: an H1047R-specific pocket and a pan-mutant cryptic site.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Mutant-selective allosteric inhibitors achieve selectivity by targeting mutant residues or exploiting unique protein conformational dynamics. The rapidly diversifying patent landscape provides broader opportunities for the discovery of superior inhibitors. Furthermore, development of allosteric inhibitor-based PROTACs is discussed as a promising frontier for enhancing therapeutic precision. Ultimately, deeper understanding of evolving resistance mechanisms provides the design principles required to develop next-generation PI3Kα therapeutics capable of overcoming clinical resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":12314,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents","volume":" ","pages":"865-891"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148600837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A patent perspective of RSK inhibitors to treat cancer (2020-present).","authors":"Aviv Preminger, Deborah A Lannigan","doi":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2708736","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2708736","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The Ser/Thr protein kinase family, p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), can be activated by inputs from ERK1/2, PDK1 and in some cases MK1/MK2. Dysregulated RSK activity is implicated in diseases associated with inflammation such as cancer. There are four RSK family members of which RSK1/2 are tumor promoters whereas RSK3/4 can act as tumor suppressors.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>The review summarizes patents that have identified compounds that decrease RSK activity. These patents all focus on the use of RSK inhibitors as cancer therapeutics. The patents were identified using the World Intellectual Property Organization, United States Patent and Trademark Office, and Derwent World Patents Index databases.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The compounds disclosed in this patent review do not exhibit isoform specificity and there is limited or no information on selectivity and on target activity. The importance of RSK as a target is demonstrated by transition of the pan-RSK inhibitor, PMD-026, to phase 2 for metastatic breast cancer. RSK isoforms differ in their contributions to transformation. Therefore, specific inhibitors are needed, which is challenging as RSK kinase domains are similar. It is possible that PROTACs for RSK2 and RSK4 can be generated by exploiting their allosteric binding pockets with SL0101 or floxacin antibiotics, respectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":12314,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents","volume":" ","pages":"781-795"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13573728/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148600884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Helicase-primase inhibitors as next-generation anti-HSV agents: from current clinical status to structure-activity relationships and patent coverage.","authors":"Christian Gege, Gerald Kleymann","doi":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2710227","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2710227","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Helicase-primase is an interesting target for small-molecule therapy of orthoherpesviruses in general and, in particular, herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections. With amenamevir already approved for the treatment of VZV and HSV in Japan and with pritelivir's granted breakthrough therapy designation and priority review for the treatment of acyclovir-resistant HSV infections in immunocompromised patients, other companies have also expressed interest in small-molecule helicase-primase inhibitors (HPIs).</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>We review the helicase-primase inhibitor landscape across HSV and VZV, focusing on patent coverage, key structure-activity relationships and the clinical progress of leading candidates.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Following the clinical validation of the helicase-primase target by amenamevir and pritelivir, substantial patent activity has emerged around structurally diverse scaffolds aimed at enhancing target residence time, improving resistance profiles, enabling prolonged antiviral exposure, and optimizing tissue distribution, including nerve penetration. In parallel, the availability of several cryo-electron microscopy structures of the helicase-primase complex has enabled structure-based and computer-aided drug design, facilitating the exploration of alternative scaffolds beyond the established chemotypes. The potential opportunities and limitations of the current HPIs, as well as the different dosage forms, are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":12314,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents","volume":" ","pages":"813-848"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148591098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daowei Huang, Roujun Lu, Ruijing Tang, Jiarui Sun, Zhipei Sang
{"title":"Overcoming the blood-brain barrier for therapeutics targeting neurodegenerative diseases: a patent review (2020-present).","authors":"Daowei Huang, Roujun Lu, Ruijing Tang, Jiarui Sun, Zhipei Sang","doi":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2725660","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2725660","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts drug entry into the CNS, with most therapeutics showing <1% brain penetration, limiting efficacy in neurodegenerative diseases.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Patents (2020-2026) were retrieved from SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, and Reaxys using combinations of 'blood-brain barrier,' 'brain delivery,' and neurodegenerative disease terms. Technologies were included if supported by <i>in vitro</i> or <i>in vivo</i> BBB‑penetration evidence for neurodegenerative indications; purely computational, non‑English untranslated, and non‑targeted conventional formulation patents were excluded. Eligible patents were classified into protein/antibody‑based, small molecule, nanocarrier, physical‑assisted, permeability enhancer, and emerging technology categories.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Receptor-mediated transcytosis, dual-targeting ligands, and ultrasound opening are enhancing delivery precision; emerging systems (small molecules, peptides, nanozymes) combine penetration with target inhibition, overcoming traditional bottlenecks and accelerating clinical translation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12314,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148826735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent patent landscape of ASK1 inhibitors: spotlight on 2-(1-isopropyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl) pyridine as a privileged scaffold.","authors":"Yash Kumar Gaur, Divyanshi Thakur, Shivam Nag, Kalicharan Sharma","doi":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2701884","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2701884","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is an important stress-responsive kinase involved in multiple pathological conditions including fibrosis, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Owing to its central role in JNK/p38 signaling, ASK1 has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for drug discovery.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review summarizes the recent patent landscape of ASK1 inhibitors with particular emphasis on the privileged 2-(1-isopropyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl)pyridine scaffold. Literature and patent data were collected through comprehensive searches of WIPO Patentscope, USPTO, Espacenet, SciFinder, and Google Scholar. Patents reporting novel ASK1 inhibitors, synthetic methodologies, biological evaluation, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies were included, while unrelated or structurally insufficient patents were excluded. The reported compounds are classified according to linker architecture, including amide-linked derivatives, cyclic urea scaffolds, and other heterocyclic variations. Comparative SAR analysis highlights the importance of hinge-binding interactions, hydrophobic substituents, and conformational rigidity in improving ASK1 inhibitory potency and selectivity.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The 2-(1-isopropyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl)pyridine scaffold remains one of the most promising pharmacophores for ASK1 inhibition. Incorporating ASK1 inhibitors into treatment strategies will likely require a shift toward combination therapies and others. Future development of ASK1 inhibitors should focus on improving selectivity, pharmacokinetic properties, and multi-target therapeutic strategies to overcome current clinical limitations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12314,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents","volume":" ","pages":"695-712"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148411028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"SLIT2 and ROBO-axis inhibitors for the treatment of cancer: a patent review (2020-2026).","authors":"Mahmoud Khatib Al-Ruweidi, Moustafa T Gabr","doi":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2690118","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2690118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The SLIT2-ROBO signaling axis plays a context-dependent role in cancer, functioning as either a tumor suppressor or oncogenic driver. This bidirectionality creates both therapeutic opportunity and significant challenges for drug development and patent strategy.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review analyzes patents targeting SLIT2-ROBO axis inhibition in cancer from 2020 to 2026. Patent families were retrieved from Google Patents, Espacenet, and WIPO PATENTSCOPE, consolidated by INPADOC family, and evaluated for mechanistic relevance and experimental enablement. Therapeutic modalities include antagonistic antibodies, ligand traps, small molecule and macrocyclic PPI disruptors, nucleic-acid approaches, and bispecific constructs. Each family was assessed using an enablement framework and a directionality-risk checklist, with emphasis on biomarker gating and translational feasibility.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The current patent landscape is limited by the lack of biomarker-driven stratification and incomplete enablement. Future progress will depend on integrating robust assay-to-asset pipelines with biomarker-guided deployment strategies to ensure both clinical efficacy and durable intellectual property.</p>","PeriodicalId":12314,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents","volume":" ","pages":"757-779"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148270968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A patent review of GPR84 receptor antagonists (2020-present).","authors":"Tianyu Mi, Jiawen Yin, Linhai Chen, Fajun Nan","doi":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2693536","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2693536","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>GPR84 is a pro‑inflammatory, metabolite‑sensing Class A GPCR implicated in a range of inflammatory, fibrotic, metabolic, and neuropathic processes. Its inducible expression and role in amplifying innate immune responses have driven sustained interest in GPR84 antagonists as potential therapeutic agents.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review summarizes recent advances in GPR84 antagonist discovery, focusing on patent applications and research articles retrieved from SciFinder covering 2020 to January 2026.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Recent work and patent filings reflect continued diversification of GPR84 antagonist chemotypes, but the translational outlook remains constrained by biological uncertainty and limited clinical validation. With only a small number of candidatest-such as BAY‑3178275 and BGT‑004-currently in active development, further progress will require deeper mechanistic understanding and clearer definition of disease contexts in which GPR84 modulation may offer therapeutic benefit.</p>","PeriodicalId":12314,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents","volume":" ","pages":"679-693"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148301555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alfie M Case, Melanie M Smith, Cole A Mack, Paul C Trippier
{"title":"AKR1C3 inhibitors and exploiters for the treatment and therapeutic monitoring of cancer: a patent review (2020-present).","authors":"Alfie M Case, Melanie M Smith, Cole A Mack, Paul C Trippier","doi":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2699768","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13543776.2026.2699768","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is a drug target for the treatment of various androgen‑dependent malignancies, including castration-resistant prostate cancer as well as hematological cancers. The enzyme plays a key role in the conversion of androgen precursors into potent androgen receptor ligands and the conversion of prostaglandins from pro-differential to pro-proliferative, thereby facilitating the progression of these malignancies. Additionally, AKR1C3 plays a role in chemotherapy resistance, reducing therapeutics to inactive forms and stabilizing the expression of mutant androgen receptors.</p><p><strong>Area covered: </strong>This article reviews patents published since 2020, obtained from WIPO and SciFinder, covering AKR1C3 inhibitors, compounds that exploit AKR1C3 for prodrug activation, and the use of AKR1C3 expression levels as a biomarker for measuring disease and therapeutic response. In addition to inhibitors, this article reviews the first reported AKR1C3/AR-v7 dual degrader.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Multiple compounds have been reported to potently and selectively inhibit AKR1C3, eliciting tumor growth inhibition as standalone agents and when used in combination with clinically approved chemotherapeutics. With drug resistance an ever-present issue, exploration of alternative routes for treating malignancies via AKR1C3 targeting offers tremendous potential. Translation to clinical trials and their effect in patients is expected to be revealed in the coming years.</p>","PeriodicalId":12314,"journal":{"name":"Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents","volume":" ","pages":"743-755"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13367418/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148375083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}