Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) play an important role in cartilage homeostasis under both normal and inflamed disease states and, thus, have become attractive targets for the treatment of arthritic diseases. Herein, we describe the identification of a potent, selective MMP-13 inhibitor, developed using fragment-based structure-guided lead identification and optimization techniques. Virtual screening methods identified a novel, indole-based MMP-13 inhibitor that bound into the S1' pocket of the protein exhibiting a novel interaction pattern hitherto not observed in MMP-13 inhibitors. X-ray crystallographic structures were used to guide the elaboration of the fragment, ultimately leading to a potent inhibitor that was >100-fold selective over nine other MMP isoforms tested.

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Future treatments for individuals infected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) will likely involve combinations of compounds that inhibit multiple viral targets. The helicase of HCV is an attractive target with no known drug candidates in clinical trials. Herein we describe an integrated strategy for identifying fragment inhibitors using structural and biophysical techniques. Based on an X-ray structure of apo HCV helicase and in silico and bioinformatic analyses of HCV variants, we identified that one site in particular (labeled 3 + 4) was the most conserved and attractive pocket to target for a drug discovery campaign. Compounds from multiple sources were screened to identify inhibitors or binders to this site, and enzymatic and biophysical assays (NMR and SPR) were used to triage the most promising ligands for 3D structure determination by X-ray crystallography. Medicinal chemistry and biophysical evaluations focused on exploring the most promising lead series. The strategies employed here can have general utility in drug discovery.

Chymase plays an important and diverse role in the homeostasis of a number of cardiovascular processes. Herein, we describe the identification of potent, selective chymase inhibitors, developed using fragment-based, structure-guided linking and optimization techniques. High-concentration biophysical screening methods followed by high-throughput crystallography identified an oxindole fragment bound to the S1 pocket of the protein exhibiting a novel interaction pattern hitherto not observed in chymase inhibitors. X-ray crystallographic structures were used to guide the elaboration/linking of the fragment, ultimately leading to a potent inhibitor that was >100-fold selective over cathepsin G and that mitigated a number of liabilities associated with poor physicochemical properties of the series it was derived from.