ChemMedChemPub Date : 2025-03-13DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202500129
Nancy Cham, Robert P. Doyle
{"title":"Corrin Ring Modification in Peptide Drug Development – a Brief History of “Corrination”","authors":"Nancy Cham, Robert P. Doyle","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202500129","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202500129","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Recently, the term “corrination” was coined to describe the conjugate modification of a peptide, protein, small molecule, or radionuclide with a corrin ring-containing molecule. By exploiting the innate chemicophysical properties of corrin ring-containing compounds, corrination has been explored for drug development and targeted/localized delivery of probes and therapeutics. Most recently, it is in the field of peptide-based therapeutics that corrination is generating significant interest. Peptide-based drugs possess several limitations that restrict their clinical application, including poor solubility and stability, low oral bioavailability, and negative side effects often due to drug distribution. In this mini review, the design and synthetic approaches to peptide corrination are described, along with examples of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo biological evaluations of corrinated conjugates, which demonstrate the broad applicability of the technique, namely 1) mitigated peptide aggregation, 2) improved protection against proteolysis, 3) reduced negative side effects via targeted localization, 4) regioselective production of peptide disulfide bonds, and 5) improved oral drug absorption. Herein, it is described how corrination offers a facile route to improving peptide pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, making this a useful platform technology in the field of peptide drug development.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"20 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cmdc.202500129","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143622930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2025-03-12DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202500087
Anita Benić, Akmaral Kussayeva, Ivana Antol, Mario Vazdar, Zlatko Brkljača, Dan-Ye Chen, Yi-Jia Yan, Ying-Hua Gao, Zhi-Long Chen, Davor Margetić
{"title":"Significant Tumor Inhibition of Trimethyl-152-[L-aspartyl]pheophorbide a in Tumor Photodynamic Therapy≠","authors":"Anita Benić, Akmaral Kussayeva, Ivana Antol, Mario Vazdar, Zlatko Brkljača, Dan-Ye Chen, Yi-Jia Yan, Ying-Hua Gao, Zhi-Long Chen, Davor Margetić","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202500087","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202500087","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A novel pheophorbide derivative, trimethyl-15<sup>2</sup>-[L-aspartyl]pheophorbide a was synthesised and investigated for anti-tumor activity. The prepared photosensitizer had good absorption in the phototherapeutic window and high ROS yields. It exhibited excellent phototoxicity higher than reference compound <i>m</i>-THPC when irradiated by 650 nm light in vitro, and obvious photodynamic anti-tumor effect in vivo. It causes cellular apoptosis or necrosis under laser irradiation and localizes in mitochondria, lysosome, and endoplasmic reticulum. The observed high efficacy was rationalized by efficient introduction into the blood by facile transfer through membranes, which is supported by molecular dynamics simulation studies. This work provides a new candidate photosensitizer for anti-cancer treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"20 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cmdc.202500087","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143612950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2025-03-12DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202500059
Sarfraz Ahmad, Ming Pan, John J. Hayward, Massimo Sementilli, Lisa A. Porter, John F. Trant
{"title":"Boron in My Mind: A Comprehensive Review of the Evolution of the Diverse Syntheses of 4-Borono-l-Phenylalanine, the Leading Agent for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy","authors":"Sarfraz Ahmad, Ming Pan, John J. Hayward, Massimo Sementilli, Lisa A. Porter, John F. Trant","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202500059","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202500059","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Boron neutron capture therapy leverages the nuclear reaction between boron-10 and thermal neutrons to selectively destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This therapy finds use in treating glioblastoma, which, as a brain cancer, is difficult to treat using conventional radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy due to location and the risk of brain damage. However, to work, the cells must contain <sup>10</sup>B. 4-Borono-<span>l</span>-phenylalanine (<span>l</span>-BPA) is the most frequently used boron delivery agent in this therapy. Surprisingly, despite its seemingly simple structure, there is no consensus approach to making it—the synthesis of <span>l</span>-BPA has been approached through multiple routes, reflecting the challenges in producing high-purity, isotopically enriched material. When a new site is looking to make this essential material, it can be challenging to determine the best route for the situation as there is no critical analysis comparing and discussing the relative merits of the approaches. Herein, the reported methods, from both the academic and patent literature, used to synthesize <span>l</span>-BPA, are comprehensively and critically examined and compared. The review also highlights the limitations of each method regarding scalability, cost-effectiveness, and safety, especially considering the high cost of isotopically enriched <sup>10</sup>B.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"20 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cmdc.202500059","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143612946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2025-03-12DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202401012
Dr. Cornelia Zumbrunn, Dr. Luboš Remen, Dr. Christoph P. Sager, Dr. Corinna Grisostomi, Christina Stamm, Daniela Krüsi, Sven Glutz, Dr. Gunther Schmidt, Dr. Oliver Nayler, Dr. Marc Iglarz, Dr. Aengus Mac Sweeney, Alain Chambovey, Manon Müller, Celia Mueller, Geoffroy Bourquin, Dr. Solange Meyer, Dr. Eva Hühn, Christophe Cattaneo, Dr. Magali Vercauteren, Dr. John Gatfield, Dr. Martin H. Bolli
{"title":"Discovery of Galactopyranose-1-carboxamides as a New Class of Small, Novel, Potent, Selective, and Orally Active Galectin-3 Inhibitors","authors":"Dr. Cornelia Zumbrunn, Dr. Luboš Remen, Dr. Christoph P. Sager, Dr. Corinna Grisostomi, Christina Stamm, Daniela Krüsi, Sven Glutz, Dr. Gunther Schmidt, Dr. Oliver Nayler, Dr. Marc Iglarz, Dr. Aengus Mac Sweeney, Alain Chambovey, Manon Müller, Celia Mueller, Geoffroy Bourquin, Dr. Solange Meyer, Dr. Eva Hühn, Christophe Cattaneo, Dr. Magali Vercauteren, Dr. John Gatfield, Dr. Martin H. Bolli","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202401012","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202401012","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding lectin, is implicated in diverse cellular functions ranging from immune response modulation to tissue homeostasis. Notably, increased Gal-3 expression has been linked to the progression of numerous diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and cardiovascular disorders, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target. Small molecule inhibitors have been discovered and are valuable tools to study such diseases. We report here the discovery of novel, galactose-based, small molecule inhibitors such as compound <b>12</b> which are orally bioavailable and show efficacy in a mouse model of acute liver injury and fibrosis (CCl<sub>4</sub> model). The use of structure-based drug design (docking of a virtual library of amides based on acid <b>2</b>) was key in the process towards potent, nanomolar inhibitors.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"20 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143602989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Isoniazid-Dihydropyrimidinone Molecular Hybrids: Design, Synthesis, Antitubercular Activity, and Cytotoxicity Investigations with Computational Validation","authors":"Gobind Kumar, Pule Seboletswe, Sahil Mishra, Neha Manhas, Safiyah Ghumran, Nagaraju Kerru, Françoise Roquet-Banères, Maëlle Foubert, Laurent Kremer, Gaurav Bhargava, Parvesh Singh","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202400949","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202400949","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A new series of isoniazid-dihydropyrimidinone molecular hybrids (<b>8a</b>–<b>8n</b>) were designed, synthesized and structurally characterized using different spectroscopic techniques viz., Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high-resolution mass spectrometry followed by their antitubercular evaluation including their precursors (<b>4a</b>–<b>4n</b>), and a standard antitubercular drug (isoniazid; INH). The molecular hybrids particularly <b>8g</b> (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 6.25 μg mL<sup>−1</sup>), <b>8h</b> (MIC = 1.56 μg mL<sup>−1</sup>), <b>8k</b> (MIC = 0.78 μg mL<sup>−1</sup>), <b>8l</b> (MIC = 6.25 μg mL<sup>−1</sup>), and <b>8n</b> (MIC = 0.39 μg mL<sup>−1</sup>) demonstrated the most potent inhibitory activity against wild-type <i>M. tuberculosis</i> mc<sup>2</sup>6230, disclosing <b>8n</b> as the most potent compound in the series. However, the potent compounds lost their activity against three INH-resistant <i>M. tuberculosis</i> strains mutated in <i>katG</i>. The more efficient compounds (<b>8h</b>, <b>8k</b>, and <b>8n)</b> were subsequently evaluated for their cytotoxicity against the THP-1 human monocytic cell line. Furthermore, the stability studies of the most potent compound carried out using <sup>1</sup>H NMR, UV-visible, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed their structural integrity. Finally, in silico molecular docking simulations were conducted to explore the binding orientations of the potent compounds in the active site of the target protein InhA while ADME/T (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) and global reactivity parameters were explored to determine their drug-likeness and stability profiles, respectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"20 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cmdc.202400949","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143603007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2025-03-09DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400948
Joanna Stefaniak-Skorupa, MSc. Prof. Maria J. Milewska
{"title":"Ergosterol and Lanosterol Derivatives: Synthesis and Possible Biomedical Applications","authors":"Joanna Stefaniak-Skorupa, MSc. Prof. Maria J. Milewska","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202400948","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202400948","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Lanosterol is the crucial intermediate in ergosterol biosynthesis in fungi. A number of derivatives of natural or synthetic origin of these sterols are portrayed in this review. For the synthetic derivatives, strategies of their syntheses are presented. Biological activities of lanosterol and ergosterol derivatives include antimicrobial, especially antifungal action, anticancer and antiviral effects but also anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic potential. The most promising seems to be the anticancer potential of peroxides, epoxides, and keto- derivatives of both sterols.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"20 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143583921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2025-03-07DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202500132
Dr. Thomas Wharton, Prof. David R. Spring
{"title":"Methods for the Generation of Single-Payload Antibody-Drug Conjugates","authors":"Dr. Thomas Wharton, Prof. David R. Spring","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202500132","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202500132","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a powerful form of targeted therapy that can deliver drugs with a high level of selectivity towards a specific cell type, reducing off-target effects and increasing the therapeutic window compared to small molecule therapeutics. However, creating ADCs that are stable, homogeneous, and with controlled drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) remains a significant challenge. Whilst a myriad of methods have been reported to generate ADCs with a DAR of 2, 4, and 8, strategies to generate DAR 1 constructs are seldom reported despite the advantages of low drug loading to tune ADC properties or to allow access to antibody-antibody and antibody-protein constructs. This concept article highlights the diversity of methods that have been employed to access single-payload ADCs and explores the outlook for the field.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"20 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cmdc.202500132","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143571796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2025-03-06DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202580501
Stephen J. McBride, Keilian MacCulloch, Patrick TomHon, Austin Browning, Samantha Meisel, Mustapha Abdulmojeed, Boyd M. Goodson, Eduard Y. Chekmenev, Thomas Theis
{"title":"Front Cover: Carbon-13 Hyperpolarization of α-Ketocarboxylates with Parahydrogen in Reversible Exchange (ChemMedChem 5/2025)","authors":"Stephen J. McBride, Keilian MacCulloch, Patrick TomHon, Austin Browning, Samantha Meisel, Mustapha Abdulmojeed, Boyd M. Goodson, Eduard Y. Chekmenev, Thomas Theis","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202580501","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cmdc.202580501","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Shown on the cover is the hyperpolarization chemistry of α-ketoglutarate using parahydrogen in reversible exchange. Alpha-ketoglutarate is one example of the broad class of α-ketocarboxylates hyperpolarized in this work. These α-ketocarboxylates represent important biomarkers for the study of in vivo metabolic processes. The NMR and MRI sensitivity of these hyperpolarized biomarkers is enhanced by up to 30000-fold. More details can be found in article 10.1002/cmdc.202400378 by Stephen J. McBride, Thomas Theis, and co-workers. \u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure>\u0000 </p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"20 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cmdc.202580501","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143565095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2025-03-06DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202580502
Sreelekha U, Uttara Basu, Prof. Priyankar Paira
{"title":"Cover Feature: Current Context of Designing Phototheranostic Cyclometalated Iridium (III) Complexes to Open a New Avenue in Cancer Therapy (ChemMedChem 5/2025)","authors":"Sreelekha U, Uttara Basu, Prof. Priyankar Paira","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202580502","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cmdc.202580502","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The cover art features an iridium complex with distinct cyclometalated ligands that enhance both bioimaging and therapeutic properties. The illustration also highlights the therapeutic function, where the iridium complex, upon light irradiation, induces apoptosis or cellular damage, representing its targeted cancer-fighting capabilities. The review article presents the current advancements and future potential of cyclometalated iridium (III) complexes as a phototheranostic agent. The finding demonstrates that cyclometalated iridium (III) complexes hold significant promise for both bioimaging and therapeutic purposes, showcasing potent anticancer activity that addresses the limitations of conventional cancer therapies by enabling more effective targeted delivery. More details can be found in article 10.1002/cmdc.202400649 by Priyankar Paira and co-workers.<figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure>\u0000 </p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"20 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cmdc.202580502","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143565056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2025-03-02DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400975
Debasis Das, Yimeng Wu, Jian Hong
{"title":"Signaling Pathways and Promising Small-Molecule Therapeutic Agents for Ischemic Stroke","authors":"Debasis Das, Yimeng Wu, Jian Hong","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202400975","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202400975","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Stroke is the second highest cause of death and leading cause of disability with high economic burden worldwide. The incidence of stroke is increasing faster and more prevalent for the global population over age 65. Ischemic stroke (IS) has a higher incidence than hemorrhagic stroke, accounting over 80 % of the total incidence of stroke. The rate of ischemic stroke is increasing in all age groups and both sexes. In present era, hypertension, high blood pressure and modern lifestyle are considered as the causes of the disease. The treatment options for stroke is still limited, mainly thrombolytic and thrombectomy therapy are available options. In the past decade, a number of therapeutic agents have been studied for the acute ischemic stroke to protect the brain from ischemic injury. Several study methods focus to improve neurons functions around the ischemic core and protect from the shock. Many signalling pathways including NF-kB, NrF, Nrf2-Keap1, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT signalling pathways are strongly associated for the indication. Controlling the signalling pathways by small molecules potentially improve the neuronal functions. In this article, we review the recent advancement of the drug discovery, controlling the signalling pathways by small molecules, and kinase inhibitors in ischemic stroke.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"20 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}