Pyrazolo-Pyridone Modulators for DCN1 N-Acetyl Pocket Binding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current DCN1 inhibitors, such as N-benzyl piperidines, face limitations in accessing the N-acetyl pocket of DCN1, lack 3-dimensional character, and have a moderate murine half-life requiring frequent dosing, necessitating the development of more effective DCN1 inhibitors.

Innovation Solution

Development of pharmaceutically active pyrazolo-pyridone modulators that target the DCN1/2-mediated cullin neddylation pathway, specifically compounds according to Formulas I and II, which enhance binding to the N-acetyl pocket and improve oral bioavailability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If N-benzyl piperidine inhibitors are used to target DCN1, then DCN1 activity is inhibited, but the inhibitors lack 3-dimensional character and cannot effectively access the N-acetyl pocket

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDCN1 inhibition effectivenessVSAvoidmolecular structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar N-benzyl piperidine structures to three-dimensional pyrazolo-pyridone frameworks with axial chirality. This dimensional change enables the molecules to access the N-acetyl pocket of DCN1, which requires 3D structural character for effective binding. The chiral axis creates a three-dimensional arrangement that allows interaction with the pocket while maintaining inhibitory activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The pyrazolo-pyridone core introduces asymmetry through its fused five-membered pyrazole ring and six-membered pyridone ring system. This asymmetric structure creates a chiral axis that enables selective binding to the N-acetyl pocket, distinguishing it from the symmetric N-benzyl piperidine approach and improving inhibition effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If N-benzyl piperidine inhibitors are used, then DCN1 activity is reduced, but the murine half-life is moderate requiring frequent dosing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDCN1 inhibitionVSAvoidmurine half-life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies key parameters of the inhibitor structure by incorporating the pyrazolo-pyridone core with specific substituents (R1-R7 groups). These structural parameter changes result in improved pharmacokinetic properties, including extended murine half-life and enhanced oral bioavailability, while maintaining DCN1 inhibitory activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If pyrazolo-pyridone modulators are developed to enhance binding to the N-acetyl pocket, then potency is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding potencyVSAvoidmolecular structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pyrazole and pyridone rings into a fused pyrazolo-pyridone core structure. This consolidation combines the binding characteristics of both ring systems into a single integrated framework that enhances affinity for the N-acetyl pocket while managing structural complexity through a unified molecular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12409171B2Pharmaceutically active pyrazolo-pyridone modulators of DCN1/2-mediated cullin neddylation
Publication Date: 2025.09.09 UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
  • US12409171B2 patent drawing
  • US12409171B2 patent drawing
  • US12409171B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A DCN1/2-mediated cullin neddylation modulator; a method for treating disorders associated with dysfunctional DCN1 and/or UBC12, Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative diseases, bacterial infections, or viral infections; and a method for treating cancers are provided. The DCN1/2-mediated cullin neddylation modulator includes a compound according to Formula I disclosed herein. The methods include administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to Formula I. Also provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition including a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.