AT7867

Using a scaffold hopping strategy from the reported AKT inhibitor AT-7867 (1) we pursued a series of structure activity relationship (SAR) studies that dramatically improved potency versus LATS1 and LATS2, while concurrently improving kinome-wide selectivity. ADME properties were further optimized via introduction of conformational restriction into the target molecule, to lead to compound 27 which possesses potent inhibitory activity against both LATS1 and LATS2 and proof of concept activity in wound healing models.

As a result, we identified that the MEK inhibitor, PD-0325901, further enhanced the anti-proliferative and anti-clonogenic effects of gefitinib and AT7867 by inducing apoptosis. Our results suggest that the dual inhibition of the AKT and MEK pathways is a novel potential therapeutic strategy for targeting EGFR in TNBC cells.