Heteroaromatic RORgamma Modulators for Autoimmune Therapy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for autoimmune and allergic disorders, such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, do not effectively target the RORγ pathway, which is involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases, limiting therapeutic options for modulating IL-17 secretion from Th17 cells.

Innovation Solution

Development of a novel class of heteroaromatic compounds that modulate RORγ activity, providing a therapeutic approach by inhibiting IL-17 secretion, thereby treating autoimmune and allergic disorders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If neutralizing antibodies to IL-17 and its receptor are used for treatment, then therapeutic benefit is achieved, but treatment complexity and cost increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and targets the upstream regulatory mechanism (RORγt transcription factor) that controls IL-17 production, rather than neutralizing IL-17 itself. This upstream intervention simplifies the therapeutic approach by addressing the root cause of pathogenesis through small molecule inhibitors that block RORγt function, preventing IL-17 secretion at the transcriptional level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the therapeutic parameter from post-translational neutralization (antibodies against IL-17) to transcriptional regulation (small molecule inhibitors of RORγt). This parameter shift enables the use of orally available small molecules with different pharmacokinetic properties, reducing treatment complexity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If RORγt targeted therapy is developed, then new therapeutic options are provided, but development time and resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic optionsVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by utilizing the well-established structural characteristics of the RORγt ligand-binding domain and applying known medicinal chemistry strategies for nuclear receptor modulation. This preliminary framework accelerates drug discovery by building upon existing knowledge of steroid hormone receptor superfamily members, reducing development time while expanding therapeutic options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention leverages the universality of the nuclear receptor superfamily mechanisms, where insights from other steroid hormone receptors can be applied to RORγt drug development. This multi-functional knowledge base allows for more efficient compound optimization and reduces development time by applying transferable medicinal chemistry principles across related targets.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3418280B1Compounds as modulators of ROR gamma
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INT GMBH
  • EP3418280B1 patent drawing
  • EP3418280B1 patent drawing
  • EP3418280B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention encompasses compounds of the formula (I) wherein the variables are defined herein which are suitable for the modulation of RORy and the treatment of diseases related to the modulation of RORy. The present invention also encompasses processes of making compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.