Category

Archives

BI 6727, a Polo-like kinase inhibitor with improved pharmacokinetic profile and broad antitumor activity

PURPOSE:

Antimitotic chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of multimodality treatment for locally advanced and metastatic cancers. To identify novel mitosis-specific agents with higher selectivity than approved tubulin-binding agents (taxanes, Vinca alkaloids), we have generated inhibitors of Polo-like kinase 1, a target that functions predominantly in mitosis.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN:

The first compound in this series, suitable for i.v. administration, has entered clinical development. To fully explore the potential of Polo-like kinase 1 inhibition in oncology, we have profiled additional compounds and now describe a novel clinical candidate.

RESULTS:

BI 6727 is a highly potent (enzyme IC(50) = 0.87 nmol/L, EC(50) = 11-37 nmol/L on a panel of cancer cell lines) and selective dihydropteridinone with distinct properties. First, BI 6727 has a pharmacokinetic profile favoring sustained exposure of tumor tissues with a high volume of distribution and a long terminal half-life in mice (V(ss) = 7.6 L/kg, t(1/2) = 46 h) and rats (V(ss) = 22 L/kg, t(1/2) = 54 h). Second, BI 6727 has physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties that allow in vivo testing of i.v. as well as oral formulations, adding flexibility to dosing schedules. Finally, BI 6727 shows marked antitumor activity in multiple cancer models, including a model of taxane-resistant colorectal cancer. With oral and i.v. routes of administration, the total weekly dose of BI 6727 is most relevant for efficacy, supporting the use of a variety of well-tolerated dosing schedules.

CONCLUSION:

These findings warrant further investigation of BI 6727 as a tailored antimitotic agent; clinical studies have been initiated.

Related Products

Cat.No. Product Name Information
S2235 Volasertib Volasertib is a highly potent Plk1 inhibitor with IC50 of 0.87 nM in a cell-free assay. It shows 6- and 65-fold greater selectivity against Plk2 and Plk3. Volasertib induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in various cancer cells. Phase 3.

Related Targets

PLK