Abstract 295: Implementing fully automated kinase inhibitor characterization using a robotic system

About 50 kinase inhibitors have been approved by the FDA for different indications so far. On the way from target validation to approval, the biochemical characterisation of a novel kinase inhibitor is a challenging, yet absolutely critical task. High resolution, kinetic molecular profiling can enable better data-driven decision making early on in the drug discovery process, not only saving time and resources, but also leading to superior molecular design. Arctoris developed a robotics-enabled process for fully automated kinase inhibitor characterisation, providing an unparalleled depth of data capture, going beyond the current state-of-the-art of biochemical assay setup. We validated our technology platform establishing assays against four members of the Janus Kinase family (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, TYK2), profiling a set of JAK inhibitors. Of note, several JAK inhibitors with prior FDA approval for other indications entered clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment, making this target class particularly relevant for an in-depth study. Reagent validation, assay development, calibration, and optimization were expedited through systematic multifactorial experimental design, high density assay plate formats and versatile automated liquid handling. The Arctoris Ulysses platform affords 9 orders of magnitude range in liquid volume handling, with picolitre precision and contact-free digital dispensing for true, non-serial, independent experimentation. Fully automated protocols were optimized, validated, versioned, and explicitly encoded. Robust potency measurements of all inhibitors were established against each of the JAK targets, revealing molecules with distinct isoform selectivity. Designing and selecting molecules with specific activity profiles enables the fine tuning of pharmacology and the avoidance of unwanted off-target toxicity. Our unique platform, assay design, and deep expertise enabled the identification of molecules within the JAK inhibitor set that exhibit a range of kinetic properties. Our mechanistic analyses can help to elucidate the mode of inhibition (competitive, allosteric, synergistic etc.) as well as provide information pertaining to the kinetic selectivity that may be present but missed by focusing solely on potency.