Ruthenium Galectin-1 Inhibitors with 3D Selective Binding

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is an ongoing need for novel galectin inhibitors that exhibit selectivity towards galectin 1, as existing inhibitors often lack sufficient affinity and specificity for galectin-1, particularly in the context of cancer, fibrotic diseases, and HIV infection.

Innovation Solution

Development of ruthenium complexes with a three-dimensional structure that selectively inhibit galectin 1, utilizing positively charged ruthenium cations for enhanced electrostatic interactions and a spatial arrangement of substituents within the binding cavity, allowing for improved inhibition potency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If small molecule inhibitors are used to target multiple galectins, then broad-spectrum inhibition is achieved, but selectivity among different galectin isoforms is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroad-spectrum inhibitionVSAvoidselectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing large molecule inhibitors (antibodies, affibodies, DARPins) with specific local structural features that recognize and bind to unique epitopes on specific galectin isoforms. This enables each inhibitor to have tailored binding characteristics for particular galectin targets while maintaining the overall large molecule framework, thus achieving both broad-spectrum coverage across multiple isoforms and high selectivity for individual targets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If large molecule inhibitors are used to achieve selectivity, then isoform-specific inhibition is improved, but pharmacokinetic properties and tissue penetration are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveselectivityVSAvoidtissue penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically modifying key parameters of large molecule inhibitors including size, charge distribution, hydrophobicity, and structural flexibility. Through these parameter optimizations, the inhibitors achieve improved tissue penetration and pharmacokinetic properties while maintaining their selectivity for specific galectin isoforms, thus resolving the contradiction between molecular size and biological performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If conventional screening methods are used, then development time is reduced, but identification of potent inhibitors is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevelopment timeVSAvoidinhibitor potency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing comprehensive structural characterization and optimization of inhibitor candidates before conducting potency screening. This includes pre-assessment of binding affinity, selectivity profiling across multiple galectin isoforms, and pharmacokinetic property evaluation early in the development process. This preliminary characterization enables more efficient subsequent screening and reduces the need for iterative optimization, thereby maintaining reliability while managing development time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4655305B1Ruthenium complexes for inhibition of galectins, method of their preparation, and use thereof
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 USTAV CHEMCH PROCESU AV CR V V I
  • EP4655305B1 patent drawing
  • EP4655305B1 patent drawing
  • EP4655305B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The presented invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 a R are independently selected from the group comprising H and (C1 to C6)alkyl; n is 1 or 2; X is CH or N; D, Y, and Z are independently CH, N or O; R is independently H or acyl or thioacyl; B is selected from the group comprising monovalent negatively charged ligands and neutral ligands; and A is a structure (II) or (III) The invention further relates to a method of their preparation and their use.