The
development of a scalable route to TEV-37440, a dual inhibitor
of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK),
is presented. The medicinal chemistry route used to support this target
through nomination is reviewed, along with the early process chemistry
route to support IND (inversigational new drug) enabling activities
within CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls). The identification
and development of an improved route that was performed in the pilot
plant to supply early phase clinical supplies are discussed. Details
surrounding the use of a novel ring expansion, a selective nitration
through a para-blocking group strategy, a single-pot amination–hydrogenation,
a diastereomeric salt resolution, a through-process step to avoid
a hazardous intermediate, and a practical formation of a trihydrochloride
dihydrate salt are disclosed.