CDK12/13 PROTAC Degraders for Full Functional Inhibition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current kinase inhibitors for CDK12/13 are inadequate in completely inhibiting both kinase and non-kinase functions, leading to potential adverse effects and drug resistance, necessitating the development of protein degradation agents that can comprehensively target these proteins.

Innovation Solution

Development of trans-1,4-cyclohexanediamine compounds as CDK12/13 degradation agents using the PROTAC principle, which selectively degrade CDK12/13 proteins and inhibit their functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If kinase inhibitors are used to target CDK12/13, then kinase activity is inhibited, but non-kinase functions remain active leading to drug resistance and low efficacy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinhibition efficacyVSAvoidfunctional coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the target protein CDK12/13 from the system through degradation, removing both its kinase and non-kinase functions simultaneously. The PROTAC compound pulls the target protein out and eliminates it via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, achieving complete functional inhibition rather than partial blockade.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The degradation agent achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously eliminating both kinase and non-kinase functions of CDK12/13 through a single mechanism (protein degradation). This universal approach overrides the limitation of kinase inhibitors that could only address enzymatic activity while leaving other functions intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If protein degradation agents are developed to comprehensively inhibit kinase and non-kinase functions, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but drug development complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidmolecular structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PROTAC molecule is segmented into three distinct functional modules: a CDK12/13 binding ligand (trans-1,4-cyclohexanediamine derivative), a linker chain, and an E3 ubiquitin ligase binding ligand (VHL or CRBN). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall molecular functionality, making the complex structure manageable and designable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linker serves as an intermediary connecting the target protein ligand and the E3 ligase ligand. This intermediary component enables the two functional moieties to work together by positioning them at appropriate distances and orientations, facilitating simultaneous binding to CDK12/13 and E3 ligase while maintaining drug-like molecular properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If PROTAC compounds are designed with multiple functional groups, then degradation capability is enhanced, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegradation capabilityVSAvoidsynthesis difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The synthesis approach segments the PROTAC molecule into three separately synthesizable components (ligand, linker, E3 ligase binder) that are subsequently coupled. This modular synthesis strategy simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be optimized and produced independently using established chemical methods, then assembled through well-defined coupling reactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4671239A1Aryl substituent-containing degradation agent for CDK12/13, preparation method therefor, and pharmaceutical composition and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 LIVZON PHARM GRP INC
  • EP4671239A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP4671239A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP4671239A1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

The present invention relates to an aryl substituent-containing degradation agent for cyclin-dependent kinase 12/13 (CDK12/13), a preparation method therefor, and a pharmaceutical composition and use thereof. The degradation agent for CDK12/13 of the present invention has a structure represented by formula (I). The compound can be used as a protein kinase degradation agent, and can effectively and highly selectively degrade a CDK12/13 protein and inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion of various tumor cells.