MEK and B-Raf Inhibitor Combination for MAPK Pathway Blockade

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for hyperproliferative disorders, particularly cancers, are in need of more effective and enhanced therapies targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, as mutations in these components are prevalent in various cancers and contribute to uncontrolled cell growth and survival.

Innovation Solution

A combination therapy using a MEK inhibitor (N-{3-[3-cyclopropyl-5-(2-fluoro-4-iodo-phenylamino)6,8-dimethyl-2,4,7-trioxo-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-1-yl}acetamide) and a B-Raf inhibitor (N-{3-[5-(2-Amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]-2-fluorophenyl}-2,6-difluorobenzenesulfonamide) is administered orally to inhibit the MAPK kinase pathway, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single agent (monotherapy) is used to target the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, then the treatment has simpler administration and fewer side effects, but the therapeutic efficacy is insufficient against cancers with pathway mutations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidtreatment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a B-Raf inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor into a single therapeutic regimen, creating a dual-target treatment approach. This merging of two targeted agents works synergistically to block the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway at multiple points, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy while managing the complexity through coordinated administration of the two compounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If combination therapy with multiple targeted agents is used to enhance efficacy, then the therapeutic benefit increases, but the treatment complexity and potential side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidside effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the dosing parameters of the B-Raf inhibitor and MEK inhibitor to achieve synergistic therapeutic effects while minimizing toxicities. By carefully controlling the dosage ratios and administration schedules of the two agents, the treatment maximizes pathway inhibition while reducing the cumulative side effects compared to higher doses of single agents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4397376B1Combination comprising an MEK inhibitor and a b-RAF inhibitor
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 NOVARTIS AG
  • EP4397376B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4397376B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4397376B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A novel combination comprising the MEK inhibitor N-{3-[3-cyclopropyl-5-(2-fluoro-4-iodo-phenylamino)6,8-dimethyl;-2,4,7-trioxo-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, with a B-Raf inhibitor, particularly N-{3-[5-(2-Amino-4-pyrimidinyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]-2-fluorophenyl}-2,6-difluorobenzenesulfonamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and methods of using such combinations and compositions in the treatment of conditions in which the inhibition of MEK and/or B-Raf is beneficial, eg. cancer.