Discovery of 1,6-Naphthyridin-2(1 H)-one Derivatives as Novel, Potent, and Selective FGFR4 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

J Med Chem. 2022 Jun 9;65(11):7595-7618. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01977. Epub 2022 May 29.

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) has been identified as a potential target due to its transmission of the FGF19 signaling pathway, which is critical to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, focusing on the specific Cys552 of FGFR4 subtype, we designed and synthesized a novel family of 1,6-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives as potent and highly selective FGFR4 inhibitors. Through detailed structural optimizations, the representative compound A34 exhibited improved FGFR4 inhibitory capability and selectivity and excellent anti-proliferative activities against FGFR4-dependent HCC cell lines. Additionally, A34 demonstrated remarkable antitumor efficacy in a Hep-3B HCC xenograft model, with favorable pharmacokinetic properties, and low risk of hERG toxicity. A34 also showed moderate inhibitory activities against the FGFR4 V550L mutant in vitro, which indicates that it has the potential as a novel anticancer agent for HCC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Naphthyridines / chemistry*
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 4

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Naphthyridines
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • FGFR4 protein, human
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 4