U.S. patent application number 17/474202 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-07 for ezh2 inhibitors for treating cancer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Epizyme, Inc.. Invention is credited to Scott RIBICH, Michael THOMENIUS.
Application Number | 20220105098 17/474202 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006027460 |
Filed Date | 2022-04-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220105098 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RIBICH; Scott ; et
al. |
April 7, 2022 |
EZH2 INHIBITORS FOR TREATING CANCER
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising
inhibitors of human histone methyltransferase EZH2 and one or more
other therapeutic agents, for example, modulators of CD40 pathway
activity, such as CD40 agonists, and methods of combination therapy
for administering to subjects in need thereof for the treatment of
cancer.
Inventors: |
RIBICH; Scott; (Lexington,
MA) ; THOMENIUS; Michael; (Rockland, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Epizyme, Inc. |
Cambridge |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006027460 |
Appl. No.: |
17/474202 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16310597 |
Dec 17, 2018 |
11147819 |
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PCT/US2017/037973 |
Jun 16, 2017 |
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17474202 |
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62351878 |
Jun 17, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 9/0053 20130101;
A61P 35/00 20180101; A61K 45/06 20130101; A61K 31/5377
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/5377 20060101
A61K031/5377; A61K 9/00 20060101 A61K009/00; A61P 35/00 20060101
A61P035/00 |
Claims
1. A method for treating a cancer in a subject in need thereof
comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an
EZH2 inhibitor and a second therapeutic agent.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cancer is germinal
center-derived lymphoma, e.g., an EZH2 wild type germinal center
B-cell lymphoma.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second therapeutic agent is a
CD40 agonist.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the CD40 agonist comprises CD40L,
or a CD40-binding fragment of CD40L, an agonistic CD40 antibody or
an agonistic CD40 antibody fragment, CP870,893 (Pfizer), SGN-40, or
a CD40 agonist peptide, or a small molecule.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the EZH2 inhibitor is
administered orally.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is a human being.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the EZH2 inhibitor is of Formula
(I): ##STR00026## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;
wherein R.sup.701 is H, F, OR.sup.707, NHR.sup.707,
--(C.ident.C)--(CH.sub.2).sub.n7--R.sup.708, phenyl, 5- or
6-membered heteroaryl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl, or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl containing 1-3 heteroatoms, wherein the phenyl, 5-
or 6-membered heteroaryl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl each independently is optionally substituted with
one or more groups selected from halo, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, OH,
O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, NH--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and, C.sub.1-3 alkyl
substituted with C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl containing 1-3 heteroatoms, wherein each of the
O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl and NH--C.sub.1-6 alkyl is optionally
substituted with hydroxyl, O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl or NH--C.sub.1-3
alkyl, each of the O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl and NH--C.sub.1-3 alkyl being
optionally further substituted with O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl or
NH--C.sub.1-3 alkyl; each of R.sup.702 and R.sup.703, independently
is H, halo, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxyl or C.sub.6-C.sub.10
aryloxy, each optionally substituted with one or more halo; each of
R.sup.704 and R.sup.705, independently is C.sub.1-4 alkyl;
R.sup.706 is cyclohexyl substituted by N(C.sub.1-4 alkyl).sub.2
wherein one or both of the C.sub.1-4 alkyl is optionally
substituted with C.sub.1-6 alkoxy; or R.sup.706 is
tetrahydropyranyl; R.sup.707 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl optionally
substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxyl,
C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, amino, mono- or di-C.sub.1-4 alkylamino,
C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl, and 4-7 membered heterocycloalkyl containing
1-3 heteroatoms, wherein the C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl each independently is further optionally
substituted with C.sub.1-3 alkyl; R.sup.708 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl
optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from OH,
halo, and C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, 4-7 membered heterocycloalkyl
containing 1-3 heteroatoms, or O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, wherein the 4-7
membered heterocycloalkyl can be optionally further substituted
with OH or C.sub.1-6 alkyl; and n.sub.7 is 0, 1 or 2.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the EZH2 inhibitor is EPZ-6438
having the following formula: ##STR00027## (EPZ-6438) or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the EZH2 inhibitor is
administered to the subject at a dose of about 100 mg to about 3200
mg daily.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the EZH2 inhibitor is
administered to the subject at a dose of about 100 mg BID to about
1600 mg BID.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the EZH2 inhibitor is
administered to the subject at a dose of about 100 mg BID, 200 mg
BID, 400 mg BID, 800 mg BID, or about 1600 mg BID.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the EZH2 inhibitor is:
##STR00028## ##STR00029## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the EZH2 inhibitor is:
##STR00030## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering a
therapeutically effective amount of an agent listed in TABLE 1.
15. The method of claim 3, wherein the CD40 agonist comprises an
anti CD40 antibody or an anti CD40-antibody fragment.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the EZH2 inhibitor and the
second therapeutic agent are administered simultaneously or
sequentially.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the EZH2 inhibitor is
administered prior to administration of the second therapeutic
agent.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the second therapeutic agent is
administered prior to administration of the EZH2 inhibitor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/310,597, filed on Dec. 17, 2018, which is a U.S. National
Phase application, filed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 371, of
International Application No. PCT/US2017/037973, filed on Jun. 16,
2017, which claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/351,878, filed on Jun. 17, 2016, the
entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] EZH2, a histone methyltransferase, has been associated with
various kinds of cancers. Specifically, mutations and and/or
overactivity of EZH2 are found in a range of cancers, such as
lymphomas, leukemias and breast cancer. There is an ongoing need
for new agents as EZH2 inhibitors for use in anticancer
treatment.
SUMMARY
[0003] The instant disclosure is based on the findings that EZH2
inhibitors have the capability of selectively killing cancer cells,
regardless of EZH2 mutational status, both in vitro and in vivo.
Additionally, EZH2 inhibitors are capable of working additively or
synergistically when administered with second therapeutic
agents.
[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides methods for
the treatment or prevention of cancer in a subject in need thereof.
In some embodiments, the method includes administration of a
therapeutically effective amount of an EZH2 inhibitor and of a
second therapeutic agent to said subject.
[0005] The method can include one or more of the following
features.
[0006] In some embodiments, the second therapeutic agent comprises
an agent that shows synergy or an additive effect with tazemetostat
in TABLE 1. In some embodiments, the second therapeutic agent is a
CD40 agonist. In some embodiments, the CD40 agonist comprises
CD40L, or a CD40-binding fragment of CD40L, an agonistic CD40
antibody or an agonistic CD40 antibody fragment, e.g., as described
in Vonderheide et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 2013 Mar. 1;
19(5):1035-43, Agonistic CD40 antibodies and cancer therapy (the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference),
CP870,893 (Pfizer, Vonderheide RH. Prospect of targeting the
CD40pathway for cancer therapy. Clin Cancer Res. 2007; 13(4):1083-8
(the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference)), SGN-40 (Advani et al., SGN-40 (anti-huCD40 mAb)
monotherapy induces durable objective responses inpatients with
relapsed aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: evidence of anti-tumor
activity from a phase 1 study. Blood. 2006:108 (the entire contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference)), or a CD40 agonist
peptide or small molecule. Exemplary suitable CD40 agonists are
provided herein and additional suitable CD40 agonists will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the present
disclosure.
[0007] The disclosure is not limited in this respect. In some
embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for treating a cancer
in a subject that comprises administering tazemetostat and a CD40
agonist to the subject. In some embodiments, the cancer is not
sensitive to treatment with a monotherapy, e.g., to treatment with
tazemetostat alone or to treatment with a CD40 agonist alone.
[0008] In some embodiments, the cancer is adrenocortical carcinoma,
AIDS-related cancers, AIDS-related lymphoma, anal cancer, anorectal
cancer, cancer of the anal canal, appendix cancer, childhood
cerebellar astrocytoma, childhood cerebral astrocytoma, basal cell
carcinoma, skin cancer (non-melanoma), biliary cancer, extrahepatic
bile duct cancer, intrahepatic bile duct cancer, bladder cancer,
urinary bladder cancer, bone and joint cancer, osteosarcoma and
malignant fibrous histiocytoma, brain cancer, brain tumor, brain
stem glioma, cerebellar astrocytoma, cerebral astrocytoma/malignant
glioma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, supratentorial primitive
neuroectodeimal tumors, visual pathway and hypothalamic glioma,
breast cancer, bronchial adenomas/carcinoids, carcinoid tumor,
gastrointestinal, nervous system cancer, nervous system lymphoma,
central nervous system cancer, central nervous system lymphoma,
cervical cancer, childhood cancers, chronic lymphocytic leukemia,
chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic myeloproliferative disorders,
colon cancer, colorectal cancer, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma,
lymphoid neoplasm, mycosis fungoides, Seziary Syndrome, endometrial
cancer, esophageal cancer, extracranial germ cell tumor,
extragonadal germ cell tumor, extrahepatic bile duct cancer, eye
cancer, intraocular melanoma, retinoblastoma, gallbladder cancer,
gastric (stomach) cancer, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor,
gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), germ cell tumor, ovarian
germ cell tumor, gestational trophoblastic tumor glioma, head and
neck cancer, hepatocellular (liver) cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma,
hypopharyngeal cancer, intraocular melanoma, ocular cancer, islet
cell tumors (endocrine pancreas), Kaposi Sarcoma, kidney cancer,
renal cancer, kidney cancer, laryngeal cancer, acute lymphoblastic
leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia,
chronic myelogenous leukemia, hairy cell leukemia, lip and oral
cavity cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, non-small cell lung
cancer, small cell lung cancer, AIDS-related lymphoma, non-Hodgkin
lymphoma, primary central nervous system lymphoma, Waldenstrom
macroglobulinemia, medulloblastoma, melanoma, intraocular (eye)
melanoma, merkel cell carcinoma, mesothelioma malignant,
mesothelioma, metastatic squamous neck cancer, mouth cancer, cancer
of the tongue, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, mycosis
fungoides, myelodysplastic syndromes,
myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases, chronic myelogenous
leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, chronic
myeloproliferative disorders, nasopharyngeal cancer, neuroblastoma,
oral cancer, oral cavity cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, ovarian
cancer, ovarian epithelial cancer, ovarian low malignant potential
tumor, pancreatic cancer, islet cell pancreatic cancer, paranasal
sinus and nasal cavity cancer, parathyroid cancer, penile cancer,
pharyngeal cancer, pheochromocytoma, pineoblastoma and
supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors, pituitary tumor,
plasma cell neoplasm/multiple myeloma, pleuropulmonary blastoma,
prostate cancer, rectal cancer, renal pelvis and ureter,
transitional cell cancer, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma,
salivary gland cancer, ewing family of sarcoma tumors, Kaposi
Sarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, uterine cancer, uterine sarcoma, skin
cancer (non-melanoma), skin cancer (melanoma), merkel cell skin
carcinoma, small intestine cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, squamous
cell carcinoma, stomach (gastric) cancer, supratentorial primitive
neuroectodermal tumors, testicular cancer, throat cancer, thymoma,
thymoma and thymic carcinoma, thyroid cancer, transitional cell
cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter and other urinary organs,
gestational trophoblastic tumor, urethral cancer, endometrial
uterine cancer, uterine sarcoma, uterine corpus cancer, vaginal
cancer, vulvar cancer, or Wilm's Tumor.
[0009] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is an EZH2 inhibitor
as provided herein, e.g., tazemetostat. In certain embodiments, the
EZH2 inhibitor is a is CPI-1205 or GSK343.
[0010] Additional suitable EZH2 inhibitors, e.g., GSK126, GSK343,
CPI-1205, and others, will be apparent to those skilled in the art
based on the present disclosure. In some embodiments of the
strategies, treatment modalities, methods, combinations, and
compositions provided herein, the EZH2 inhibitor is an EZH2
inhibitor described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,536,179 (describing GSK-126
among other compounds and corresponding to WO 2011/140324), the
entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0011] In some embodiments of the strategies, treatment modalities,
methods, combinations, and compositions provided herein, the EZH2
inhibitor is an EZH2 inhibitor described in PCT/US2014/015706,
published as WO 2014/124418, in PCT/US2013/025639, published as WO
2013/120104, and in U.S. Ser. No. 14/839,273, published as US
2015/0368229, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated
herein by reference. In some embodiments, the cancer is germinal
center-derived lymphoma, e.g., a germinal center B-cell lymphoma.
In some embodiments, the germinal center B-cell lymphoma is an EZH2
wild type germinal center B-cell lymphoma, e.g., the germinal
center B-cell lymphoma cells having non-mutated, wild-type EZH2
protein.
[0012] In another embodiment, the germinal center B-cell lymphoma
is an EZH2 mutant germinal center B-cell lymphoma, e.g., the
germinal center B-cell lymphoma cells having mutant EZH2
protein.
[0013] In some embodiments, the germinal center B-cell lymphoma is
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma,
Burkitt's lymphoma or Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of germinal center B
cell type.
[0014] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
orally.
[0015] In some embodiments, the subject is a human being.
[0016] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is of formula (I)
below, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:
##STR00001##
[0017] In Formula (I), R.sup.701 is H, F, OR.sup.707, NHR.sup.707,
--(C.ident.C)--(CH.sub.2).sub.n7--R.sup.708, phenyl, 5- or
6-membered heteroaryl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl, or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl containing 1-3 heteroatoms, wherein the phenyl, 5-
or 6-membered heteroaryl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl each independently is optionally substituted with
one or more groups selected from halo, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, OH,
O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, NH--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and, C.sub.1-3 alkyl
substituted with C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl containing 1-3 heteroatoms, wherein each of the
O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl and NH--C.sub.1-6 alkyl is optionally
substituted with hydroxyl, O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl or NH--C.sub.1-3
alkyl, each of the O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl and NH--C.sub.1-3 alkyl being
optionally further substituted with O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl or
NH--C.sub.1-3 alkyl; each of R.sup.702 and R.sup.703, independently
is H, halo, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxyl or C.sub.6-C.sub.10
aryloxy, each optionally substituted with one or more halo; each of
R.sup.704 and R.sup.705, independently is C.sub.1-4 alkyl;
R.sup.706 is cyclohexyl substituted by N(C.sub.1-4 alkyl).sub.2
wherein one or both of the C.sub.1-4 alkyl is optionally
substituted with C.sub.1-6 alkoxy; or R.sup.706 is
tetrahydropyranyl; R.sup.707 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl optionally
substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxyl,
C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, amino, mono- or di-C.sub.1-4 alkylamino,
C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl, and 4-7 membered heterocycloalkyl containing
1-3 heteroatoms, wherein the C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl each independently is further optionally
substituted with C.sub.1-3 alkyl; R.sup.708 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl
optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from OH,
halo, and C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, 4-7 membered heterocycloalkyl
containing 1-3 heteroatoms, or O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, wherein the 4-7
membered heterocycloalkyl can be optionally further substituted
with OH or C.sub.1-6 alkyl; and n.sub.7 is 0, 1 or 2.
[0018] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is EPZ-6438, having
the following formula:
##STR00002##
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
[0019] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered to
the subject at a dose of approximately 100 mg to approximately 3200
mg daily.
[0020] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered to
the subject at a dose of approximately 100 mg BID to approximately
1600 mg BID.
[0021] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered to
the subject at a dose of approximately 100 mg BID, 200 mg BID, 400
mg BID, 800 mg BID, or 1600 mg BID.
[0022] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is either compound
(A), (B), (C) or (D):
##STR00003##
or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof.
[0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes
administering a therapeutically effective amount of a second
therapeutic agent, such as one or more components of R--CHOP, a BCL
inhibitor, or a BCR inhibitor.
[0024] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
simultaneously or sequentially with the second therapeutic
agent.
[0025] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
prior to the administration of the second therapeutic agent.
[0026] In some embodiments, the second therapeutic agent is
administered prior to the administration of the EZH2 inhibitor.
[0027] In another aspect, the present disclosure features a method
for the treatment or prevention of Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell
Lymphoma (PMBCL) in a subject in need thereof. The method includes
administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an EZH2
inhibitor to said subject.
[0028] The method can include one or more of the following
features.
[0029] In some embodiments, the PMBCL is a mutant EZH2
[0030] In some embodiments, the PMBCL is wild-type EZH2.
[0031] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
orally.
[0032] In some embodiments, the subject is a human being.
[0033] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is of formula (I)
below, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:
##STR00004##
[0034] In Formula (I), R.sup.701 is H, F, OR.sup.707, NHR.sup.707,
--(C.ident.C)--(CH.sub.2).sub.n7--R.sup.708, phenyl, 5- or
6-membered heteroaryl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl, or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl containing 1-3 heteroatoms, wherein the phenyl, 5-
or 6-membered heteroaryl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl each independently is optionally substituted with
one or more groups selected from halo, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, OH,
O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, NH--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and, C.sub.1-3 alkyl
substituted with C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl containing 1-3 heteroatoms, wherein each of the
O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl and NH--C.sub.1-6 alkyl is optionally
substituted with hydroxyl, O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl or NH--C.sub.1-3
alkyl, each of the O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl and NH--C.sub.1-3 alkyl being
optionally further substituted with O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl or
NH--C.sub.1-3 alkyl; each of R.sup.702 and R.sup.703, independently
is H, halo, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxyl or C.sub.6-C.sub.10
aryloxy, each optionally substituted with one or more halo; each of
R.sup.704 and R.sup.705, independently is C.sub.1-4 alkyl;
R.sup.706 is cyclohexyl substituted by N(C.sub.1-4 alkyl).sub.2
wherein one or both of the C.sub.1-4 alkyl is optionally
substituted with C.sub.1-6 alkoxy; or R.sup.706 is
tetrahydropyranyl; R.sup.707 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl optionally
substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxyl,
C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, amino, mono- or di-C.sub.1-4 alkylamino,
C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl, and 4-7 membered heterocycloalkyl containing
1-3 heteroatoms, wherein the C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl each independently is further optionally
substituted with C.sub.1-3 alkyl; R.sup.708 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl
optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from OH,
halo, and C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, 4-7 membered heterocycloalkyl
containing 1-3 heteroatoms, or O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, wherein the 4-7
membered heterocycloalkyl can be optionally further substituted
with OH or C.sub.1-6 alkyl; and n.sub.7 is 0, 1 or 2.
[0035] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is EPZ-6438, having
the following formula:
##STR00005##
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
[0036] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered to
the subject at a dose of approximately 100 mg to approximately 3200
mg daily.
[0037] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered to
the subject at a dose of approximately 100 mg BID to approximately
1600 mg BID.
[0038] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered to
the subject at a dose of approximately 100 mg BID, 200 mg BID, 400
mg BID, 800 mg BID, or 1600 mg BID.
[0039] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is either compound
(A), (B), or (C):
##STR00006##
or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof.
[0040] In some embodiments, the method further includes
administering a therapeutically effective amount of a second
therapeutic agent, such as one or more components of R--CHOP, a BCL
inhibitor, or a BCR inhibitor.
[0041] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
simultaneously or sequentially with the second therapeutic
agent.
[0042] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
prior to the administration of the second therapeutic agent.
[0043] In some embodiments, the second therapeutic agent is
administered prior to the administration of the EZH2 inhibitor.
[0044] In another aspect, the disclosure also relates to a method
of selecting a patient for the methods of treating cancer described
herein, by selecting the patient based on the expression profiles
of one or more genes selected from the group consisting of EZH2,
BCL6 and BCL2.
[0045] In any of the above aspects or embodiments, the disclosure
also relates to detecting levels of histone methylation, e.g.,
H3K27 trimethylation, in a skin biopsy. Histone methylation is
detected prior to initiation of treatment, while the subject is
receiving treatment, and/or after treatment has concluded.
Detecting histone methylation via skin biopsy
[0046] Any of the above aspects and embodiments can be combined
with any other aspect or embodiment.
[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the
specification, the singular forms also include the plural unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although methods and
materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be
used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable
methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent
applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are
incorporated by reference. The references cited herein are not
admitted to be prior art to the claimed invention. In the case of
conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will
control. In addition, the materials, methods and examples are
illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.
[0048] Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be
apparent from the following detailed description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing
executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application
publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office
upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
[0050] The above and further features will be more clearly
appreciated from the following detailed description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0051] FIG. 1. Effects of tazemetostat (TAZ) in vivo suggest that
an additional anti-tumor mechanism occurs beyond what is observed
in vitro.
[0052] FIG. 2. Varying degrees of anti-proliferative responses can
be seen in mutant vs. wt cell lines. A) Cells were treated with TAZ
and proliferation was measured by cell counts at the indicated time
points. The viable cell count (y axis) in each panel is presented
on a logarithmic scale. B) Cells were treated for 10 days with 1
.mu.M TAZ or DMSO. Green stacks represent percentages of cells in
early stage apoptosis.
[0053] FIG. 3. EZH2 inhibition induces memory cell gene sets in
cell lines with both wild type and mutant EZH2.
[0054] FIG. 4. TAZ induces PRDM1 independently of EZH2 mutational
status or TAZ sensitivity.
[0055] FIG. 5. Tazemetostat makes lymphoma cell lines dependent on
activation signals.
[0056] FIG. 6. Inhibitors of B-cell activation transform TAZ
induced growth inhibitory phenotype to apoptosis.
[0057] FIG. 7. EZH2 inhibition is required for CD40L induction of
PRDM1 in SUDHL-5.
[0058] FIG. 8. Chart providing synergistic relationships (same as
Table 1 but in color).
[0059] FIG. 9. Schematic demonstrating that EZH2 is a "gatekeeper"
for cell fate decisions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] EZH2 is a histone methyltransferase that is the catalytic
subunit of the PRC2 complex which catalyzes the mono- through
tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3-K27). Histone H3-K27
trimethylation is a mechanism for suppressing transcription of
specific genes that are proximal to the site of histone
modification. This trimethylation is known to be a cancer marker
with altered expression in cancer, such as prostate cancer (see,
e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0175736;
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Other studies
provided evidence for a functional link between dysregulated EZH2
expression, transcriptional repression, and neoplastic
transformation. Varambally et al. (2002) Nature 419(6907):624-9
Kleer et al. (2003) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 100(20):11606-11.
[0061] EZH2 methylation activity plays an important role in the
regulation and activation of germinal center B-cells. EZH2 protein
levels increase following the activation of B-cells. Following
activation, B-cells take residence in the germinal center of
lymphoid organs, wherein somatic hypermutation occurs, a process
associated with the repression of anti-apoptotic genes and check
point regulators. EZH2 methylating events target genes that are
involved in B-cell proliferation, differentiation and maturation,
including CDKN1A (role in cellular proliferation), PRDM1 (role in
B-cell differentiation) and IRF4 (role in B-cell
differentiation).
[0062] Following the maturation and exit of B-cells from the
germinal center, there is a reduction of the levels of EZH2 within
the B-cells. However, EZH2 presence and activity after B-cell
maturation is associated with several kinds of lymphomas including
germinal center B-cell lymphoma, among others. Aberrant activation
of EZH2 is found in three common subtypes of germinal cell
lymphomas: follicular lymphoma (FL), germinal center B-cell like
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GCB DLBCL), and Burkitt's lymphoma.
Aberrant activation of EZH2 is also found in Primary Mediastinal
Large B-Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL).
[0063] Genetic alterations within the EZH2 gene are associated with
altered histone methylation patterns. EZH2 mutations leading to the
conversion of amino acid Y641 (equivalent to Y646, catalytic
domain), to either F, N, H, S or C results in hypertrimethylation
of H3K27 and drives lymphomagenesis. Additional genetic alterations
that affect the methylation of H3K27 include EZH2 SET-domain
mutations, overexpression of EZH2, overexpression of other PRC2
subunits, loss of function mutations of histone acetyl transferases
(HATs), and loss of function of MLL2. Cells that are heterozygous
for EZH2 Y646 mutations result in hypertrimethylation of H3K27
relative to cells that are homozygous wild-type (WT) for the EZH2
protein, or to cells that are homozygous for the Y646 mutation.
[0064] This disclosure is based on, at least in part, discoveries
that (i) EZH2 mutant germinal B-cell lines are consistently
sensitive to EZH2 inhibitors; (ii) EZH2 wild-type (WT) germinal
B-cell lymphoma cell lines are sensitive to EZH2 inhibitors, in a
dose-dependent manner; and (iii) activated B-cell lymphoma
(ABC-lymphoma) cell lines are not sensitive to EZH2 inhibitors.
[0065] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for
treating or alleviating a symptom of a germinal center-derived
lymphoma in a subject in need thereof by administering to the
subject a therapeutically effective amount of an EZH2 inhibitor.
The subject suitable for the method of treatment described herein
can either express a mutant EZH2 or a wild-type EZH2 or has a
mutation in the EZH2 gene or has a wild-type EZH2 gene.
[0066] As described herein, inhibition of EZH2 activity
significantly abrogates the division of the malignant cells.
[0067] In some embodiments, the germinal center B-cell lymphoma is
an EZH2 wild type germinal center B-cell lymphoma, e.g., the
germinal center B-cell lymphoma cells having non-mutated, wild-type
EZH2 protein.
[0068] In another embodiment, the germinal center B-cell lymphoma
is an EZH2 mutant germinal center B-cell lymphoma, e.g., the
germinal center B-cell lymphoma cells having mutant EZH2
protein.
[0069] In some embodiments, the germinal center B-cell lymphoma is
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, Burkitt's
lymphoma or Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of germinal center B cell
type.
[0070] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
orally.
[0071] In some embodiments, the subject is a human being.
[0072] In some embodiments, the method further includes
administering a therapeutically effective amount of a second
therapeutic agent, such as one or more components of R--CHOP, a BCL
inhibitor, or a BCR inhibitor.
[0073] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
simultaneously or sequentially with the second therapeutic
agent.
[0074] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
prior to the administration of the second therapeutic agent.
[0075] In some embodiments, the second therapeutic agent is
administered prior to the administration of the EZH2 inhibitor.
[0076] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method
for treating or alleviating a symptom of Primary Mediastinal Large
B-Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL) in a subject in need thereof by
administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of
an EZH2 inhibitor. The subject suitable for the method of treatment
described herein can have a mutant EZH2 or a wild-type EZH2. As
described herein, inhibition of EZH2 activity significantly
abrogates the division of the malignant cells.
[0077] In some embodiments, the PMBCL is a mutant EZH2
[0078] In some embodiments, the PMBCL is wild-type EZH2.
[0079] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
orally.
[0080] In some embodiments, the subject is a human being.
[0081] In some embodiments, the method further includes
administering a therapeutically effective amount of a second
therapeutic agent, such as one or more components of R--CHOP, a BCL
inhibitor, or a BCR inhibitor.
[0082] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
simultaneously or sequentially with the second therapeutic
agent.
[0083] In some embodiments, the EZH2 inhibitor is administered
prior to the administration of the second therapeutic agent.
[0084] In some embodiments, the second therapeutic agent is
administered prior to the administration of the EZH2 inhibitor.
[0085] In any of the above aspects or embodiments, the disclosure
also relates to methods for detecting levels of histone
methylation, e.g., H3K27 trimethylation, in a skin biopsy. Histone
methylation is detected prior to initiation of treatment, while the
subject is receiving treatment, and/or after treatment has
concluded.
[0086] The mutant EZH2 described herein refers to a mutant EZH2
polypeptide or a nucleic acid sequence encoding a mutant EZH2
polypeptide. In certain embodiments the mutant EZH2 comprises one
or more mutations in its substrate pocket domain. For example, the
mutation may be a substitution, a point mutation, a nonsense
mutation, a missense mutation, a deletion, or an insertion. Methods
for detecting EZH2 mutations have been described in
PCT/US11/051258, PCT/US13/030565, US20150099747, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0087] For purposes of this application, a Y641 mutant of human
EZH2, and, equivalently, a Y641 mutant of EZH2, is to be understood
to refer to a human EZH2 in which the amino acid residue
corresponding to Y641 of wild-type human EZH2 is substituted by an
amino acid residue other than tyrosine.
[0088] A compound (i.e., an EZH2 inhibitor) that can be used in any
methods described herein may have the following Formula (I):
##STR00007##
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein
[0089] R.sup.701 is H, F, OR.sup.707, NHR.sup.707,
--(C.ident.C)--(CH.sub.2).sub.n7--R.sup.708, phenyl, 5- or
6-membered heteroaryl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl, or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl containing 1-3 heteroatoms, wherein the phenyl, 5-
or 6-membered heteroaryl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl each independently is optionally substituted with
one or more groups selected from halo, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, OH,
O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, NH--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and, C.sub.1-3 alkyl
substituted with C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered
heterocycloalkyl containing 1-3 heteroatoms, wherein each of the
O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl and NH--C.sub.1-6 alkyl is optionally
substituted with hydroxyl, O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl or NH--C.sub.1-3
alkyl, each of the O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl and NH--C.sub.1-3 alkyl being
optionally further substituted with O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl or
NH--C.sub.1-3 alkyl;
[0090] each of R.sup.702 and R.sup.703, independently is H, halo,
C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxyl or C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryloxy,
each optionally substituted with one or more halo;
[0091] each of R.sup.704 and R.sup.705, independently is C.sub.1-4
alkyl;
[0092] R.sup.706 is cyclohexyl substituted by N(C.sub.1-4
alkyl).sub.2 wherein one or both of the C.sub.1-4 alkyl is
optionally substituted with C.sub.1-6 alkoxy; or R.sup.706 is
tetrahydropyranyl;
[0093] R.sup.707 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl optionally substituted with one
or more groups selected from hydroxyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, amino,
mono- or di-C.sub.1-4 alkylamino, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl, and 4-7
membered heterocycloalkyl containing 1-3 heteroatoms, wherein the
C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl or 4-7 membered heterocycloalkyl each
independently is further optionally substituted with C.sub.1-3
alkyl;
[0094] R.sup.708 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl optionally substituted with one
or more groups selected from OH, halo, and C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, 4-7
membered heterocycloalkyl containing 1-3 heteroatoms, or
O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl, wherein the 4-7 membered heterocycloalkyl can
be optionally further substituted with OH or C.sub.1-6 alkyl;
and
[0095] n.sub.7 is 0, 1 or 2.
[0096] For example, R.sup.706 is cyclohexyl substituted by
N(C.sub.1-4 alkyl).sub.2 wherein one of the C.sub.1-4 alkyl is
unsubstituted and the other is substituted with methoxy.
[0097] For example, R.sup.706 is
##STR00008##
[0098] For example, the compound is of Formula II.
##STR00009##
[0099] For example, R.sup.702 is methyl or isopropyl and R.sup.703
is methyl or methoxyl.
[0100] For example, R.sup.704 is methyl.
[0101] For example, R.sup.701 is OR.sup.707 and R.sup.707 is
C.sub.1-3 alkyl optionally substituted with OCH.sub.3 or
morpholine.
[0102] For example, R.sup.701 is H or F.
[0103] For example, R.sup.701 is tetrahydropyranyl, phenyl,
pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, imidazolyl, or pyrazolyl, each of
which is optionally substituted with methyl, methoxy, ethyl
substituted with morpholine, or --OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3.
[0104] For example, R.sup.708 is morpholine, piperidine,
piperazine, pyrrolidine, diazepane, or azetidine, each of which is
optionally substituted with OH or C.sub.1-6 alkyl.
[0105] For example, R.sup.708 is morpholine
[0106] For example, R.sup.708 is piperazine substituted with
C.sub.1-6 alkyl.
[0107] For example, R.sup.708 is methyl, t-butyl or
C(CH.sub.3).sub.2OH.
[0108] A compound (i.e., an EZH2 inhibitor) that can be used in any
methods described herein may have the following Formula III:
##STR00010##
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
[0109] In this formula:
[0110] R.sup.801 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.2-6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-6
alkynyl, C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl, 4-7 membered heterocycloalkyl
containing 1-3 heteroatoms, phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl,
each of which is substituted with O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl-R.sub.x or
NH--C.sub.1-6 alkyl-R.sub.x, wherein R.sub.x is hydroxyl,
O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl or NH--C.sub.1-3 alkyl, and R.sub.x is
optionally further substituted with O--C.sub.1-3 alkyl or
NH--C.sub.1-3 alkyl except when R.sub.x is hydroxyl; or R.sup.801
is phenyl substituted with -Q.sub.2-T.sub.2, wherein Q.sub.2 is a
bond or C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl linker optionally substituted with
halo, cyano, hydroxyl or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and T.sub.2 is
optionally substituted 4- to 12-membered heterocycloalkyl; and
R.sup.801 is optionally further substituted;
[0111] each of R.sup.802 and R.sup.803, independently is H, halo,
C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxyl or C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryloxy,
each optionally substituted with one or more halo;
[0112] each of R.sup.804 and R.sup.805, independently is C.sub.1-4
alkyl; and
[0113] R.sup.806 is -Q.sub.x-T.sub.x, wherein Q.sub.x is a bond or
C.sub.1-4 alkyl linker, T.sub.x is H, optionally substituted
C.sub.1-4 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl
or optionally substituted 4- to 14-membered heterocycloalkyl.
[0114] For example, each of Q.sub.x and Q.sub.2 independently is a
bond or methyl linker, and each of T.sub.x and T.sub.2
independently is tetrahydropyranyl, piperidinyl substituted by 1,
2, or 3 C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups, or cyclohexyl substituted by
N(C.sub.1-4 alkyl).sub.2 wherein one or both of the C.sub.1-4 alkyl
is optionally substituted with C.sub.1-6 alkoxy;
[0115] For example, R.sup.806 is cyclohexyl substituted by
N(C.sub.1-4 alkyl).sub.2 or R.sup.806 is tetrahydropyranyl.
[0116] For example, R.sup.806
##STR00011##
[0117] For example, R.sup.801 is phenyl or 5- or 6-membered
heteroaryl substituted with O--C.sub.1-6 alkyl-R.sub.x, or
R.sup.801 is phenyl substituted with
CH.sub.2-tetrahydropyranyl.
[0118] For example, a compound of the present disclosure is of
Formula IVa or IVb:
##STR00012##
wherein
[0119] Z' is CH or N, and R.sup.807 is C.sub.2-3 alkyl-R.sub.x.
[0120] For example, R.sup.807 is --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH,
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3, or
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3.
[0121] For example, R.sup.802 is methyl or isopropyl and R.sup.803
is methyl or methoxyl.
[0122] For example, R.sup.804 is methyl.
[0123] A compound of the present disclosure may have the following
Formula (V):
##STR00013##
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof.
[0124] In this formula:
[0125] R.sub.2, R.sub.4 and R.sub.12 are each, independently
C.sub.1-6 alkyl;
[0126] R.sub.6 is C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl or 5- or 6-membered
heteroaryl, each of which is optionally substituted with one or
more -Q.sub.2-T.sub.2, wherein Q.sub.2 is a bond or C.sub.1-C.sub.3
alkyl linker optionally substituted with halo, cyano, hydroxyl or
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and T.sub.2 is H, halo, cyano, --OR.sub.a,
--NR.sub.aR.sub.b, --(NR.sub.aR.sub.bR.sub.c).sup.+A.sup.-,
--C(O)R.sub.a, --C(O)OR.sub.a, --C(O)NR.sub.aR.sub.b,
--NR.sub.bC(O)R.sub.a, --NR.sub.bC(O)OR.sub.a, --S(O).sub.2R.sub.a,
--S(O).sub.2NR.sub.aR.sub.b, or R.sub.S2, in which each of R.sub.a,
R.sub.b, and R.sub.c, independently is H or R.sub.S3, A.sup.- is a
pharmaceutically acceptable anion, each of R.sub.S2 and R.sub.S3,
independently, is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8
cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl, 4 to 12-membered
heterocycloalkyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, or R.sub.a and
R.sub.b, together with the N atom to which they are attached, form
a 4 to 12-membered heterocycloalkyl ring having 0 or 1 additional
heteroatom, and each of R.sub.S2, R.sub.S3, and the 4 to
12-membered heterocycloalkyl ring formed by R.sub.a and R.sub.b, is
optionally substituted with one or more -Q.sub.3-T.sub.3, wherein
Q.sub.3 is a bond or C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl linker each optionally
substituted with halo, cyano, hydroxyl or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy,
and T.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of halo, cyano,
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.10
aryl, 4 to 12-membered heterocycloalkyl, 5- or 6-membered
heteroaryl, OR.sub.d, COOR.sub.d, --S(O).sub.2R.sub.d,
--NR.sub.dR.sub.e, and --C(O)NR.sub.dR.sub.e, each of R.sub.d and
R.sub.e independently being H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, or
-Q.sub.3-T.sub.3 is oxo; or any two neighboring -Q.sub.2-T.sub.2,
together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5- or
6-membered ring optionally containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected from
N, O and S and optionally substituted with one or more substituents
selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, COOH,
C(O)O--C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, cyano, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxyl,
amino, mono-C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylamino, di-C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkylamino, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl, 4 to
12-membered heterocycloalkyl, and 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl;
R.sub.7 is -Q.sub.4-T.sub.4, in which Q.sub.4 is a bond,
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl linker, or C.sub.2-C.sub.4 alkenyl linker,
each linker optionally substituted with halo, cyano, hydroxyl or
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and T.sub.4 is H, halo, cyano,
NR.sub.fR.sub.g, --OR.sub.f, --C(O)R.sub.f, --C(O)OR.sub.f,
--C(O)NR.sub.fR.sub.g, --C(O)NR.sub.fOR.sub.g,
--NR.sub.fC(O)R.sub.g, --S(O).sub.2R.sub.f, or R.sub.S4, in which
each of R.sub.f and R.sub.g, independently is H or R.sub.S5, each
of R.sub.S4 and R.sub.S5, independently is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl,
C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkynyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8
cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl, 4 to 12-membered
heterocycloalkyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, and each of
R.sub.S4 and R.sub.S5 is optionally substituted with one or more
-Q.sub.5-T.sub.5, wherein Q.sub.5 is a bond, C(O), C(O)NR.sub.k,
NR.sub.kC(O), S(O).sub.2, or C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl linker, R.sub.k
being H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, and T.sub.5 is H, halo,
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, hydroxyl, cyano, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxyl,
amino, mono-C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylamino, di-C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkylamino, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl, 4 to
12-membered heterocycloalkyl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, or
S(O).sub.qR.sub.q in which q is 0, 1, or 2 and R.sub.q is
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6
alkynyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.5 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl, 4 to
12-membered heterocycloalkyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, and
T.sub.5 is optionally substituted with one or more substituents
selected from the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl,
hydroxyl, cyano, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxyl, amino,
mono-C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylamino, di-C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylamino,
C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl, 4 to 12-membered
heterocycloalkyl, and 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl except when
T.sub.5 is H, halo, hydroxyl, or cyano; or -Q.sub.5-T.sub.5 is oxo;
and
[0127] R.sub.8 is H, halo, hydroxyl, COOH, cyano, R.sub.S6,
OR.sub.S6, or COOR.sub.S6, in which R.sub.S6 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkynyl,
C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, 4 to 12-membered heterocycloalkyl,
amino, mono-C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylamino, or di-C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkylamino, and R.sub.S6 is optionally substituted with one or more
substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl,
COOH, C(O)O--C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, cyano, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxyl,
amino, mono-C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylamino, and di-C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkylamino; or R.sub.7 and R.sub.8, together with the N atom to
which they are attached, form a 4 to 11-membered heterocycloalkyl
ring having 0 to 2 additional heteroatoms, and the 4 to 11-membered
heterocycloalkyl ring formed by R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 is optionally
substituted with one or more -Q.sub.6-T.sub.6, wherein Q.sub.6 is a
bond, C(O), C(O)NR.sub.m, NR.sub.mC(O), S(O).sub.2, or
C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl linker, R.sub.m being H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkyl, and T.sub.6 is H, halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, hydroxyl,
cyano, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxyl, amino, mono-C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkylamino, di-C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylamino, C.sub.3-C.sub.8
cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl, 4 to 12-membered
heterocycloalkyl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, or S(O).sub.pR.sub.p
in which p is 0, 1, or 2 and R.sub.p is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl,
C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkynyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8
cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl, 4 to 12-membered
heterocycloalkyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, and T.sub.6 is
optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from
the group consisting of halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, hydroxyl,
cyano, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxyl, amino, mono-C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkylamino, di-C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylamino, C.sub.3-C.sub.8
cycloalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl, 4 to 12-membered
heterocycloalkyl, and 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl except when
T.sub.6 is H, halo, hydroxyl, or cyano; or -Q.sub.6-T.sub.6 is
oxo.
[0128] For example, R.sub.6 is C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl or 5- or
6-membered heteroaryl, each of which is optionally, independently
substituted with one or more -Q.sub.2-T.sub.2, wherein Q.sub.2 is a
bond or C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl linker, and T.sub.2 is H, halo,
cyano, --OR.sub.a, --NR.sub.aR.sub.b,
--(NR.sub.aR.sub.bR.sub.c).sup.+A.sup.-, --C(O)NR.sub.aR.sub.b,
--NR.sub.bC(O)R.sub.a, --S(O).sub.2R.sub.a, or R.sub.S2, in which
each of R.sub.a and R.sub.b, independently is H or R.sub.S3, each
of R.sub.S2 and R.sub.S3, independently, is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl,
or R.sub.a and R.sub.b, together with the N atom to which they are
attached, form a 4 to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring having 0 or
1 additional heteroatom, and each of R.sub.S2, R.sub.S3, and the 4
to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl ring formed by R.sub.a and R.sub.b,
is optionally, independently substituted with one or more
-Q.sub.3-T.sub.3, wherein Q.sub.3 is a bond or C.sub.1-C.sub.3
alkyl linker and T.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of
halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, 4 to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl,
OR.sub.a, --S(O).sub.2R.sub.a, and --NR.sub.dR.sub.e, each of
R.sub.d and R.sub.e independently being H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl,
or -Q.sub.3-T.sub.3 is oxo; or any two neighboring
-Q.sub.2-T.sub.2, together with the atoms to which they are
attached form a 5- or 6-membered ring optionally containing 1-4
heteroatoms selected from N, O and S.
[0129] For example, the compound of the present disclosure is of
Formula (VI):
##STR00014##
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Q.sub.2 is a
bond or methyl linker, T.sub.2 is H, halo, --OR.sub.a,
--NR.sub.aR.sub.b, --(NR.sub.aR.sub.bR.sub.c).sup.+A.sup.-, or
--S(O).sub.2NR.sub.aR.sub.b, R.sub.7 is piperidinyl,
tetrahydropyran, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl, each optionally
substituted with one -Q.sub.5-T.sub.5 and R.sub.8 is ethyl.
[0130] The present disclosure provides the compounds of Formula
(VIa):
##STR00015##
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof, wherein
R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.a, and R.sub.b are defined herein.
[0131] The compounds of Formula (VIa) can include one or more of
the following features:
[0132] For example, each of R.sub.a and R.sub.b independently is H
or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more
-Q.sub.3-T.sub.3.
[0133] For example, one of R.sub.a and R.sub.b is H.
[0134] For example, R.sub.a and R.sub.b, together with the N atom
to which they are attached, form a 4 to 7-membered heterocycloalkyl
ring having 0 or 1 additional heteroatoms to the N atom (e.g.,
azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl,
oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, triazolidinyl, piperidinyl,
1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl,
1,4-diazepanyl, 1,4-oxazepanyl, 2-oxa-5-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl,
2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, and the like) and the ring is
optionally substituted with one or more -Q.sub.3-T.sub.3.
[0135] For example, R.sub.a and R.sub.b, together with the N atom
to which they are attached, form azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl,
imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl,
triazolidinyl, tetrahyrofuranyl, piperidinyl,
1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinyl, piperazinyl, or morpholinyl, and the
ring is optionally substituted with one or more
-Q.sub.3-T.sub.3.
[0136] For example, one or more -Q.sub.3-T.sub.3 are oxo.
[0137] For example, Q.sub.3 is a bond or unsubstituted or
substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl linker.
[0138] For example, T.sub.3 is H, halo, 4 to 7-membered
heterocycloalkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl, OR.sub.a, COOR.sub.d,
--S(O).sub.2R.sub.d, or --NR.sub.dR.sub.e.
[0139] For example, each of R.sub.d and R.sub.e independently being
H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl.
[0140] For example, R.sub.7 is C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl or 4 to
7-membered heterocycloalkyl, each optionally substituted with one
or more -Q.sub.5-T.sub.5.
[0141] For example, R.sub.7 is piperidinyl, tetrahydropyran,
tetrahydro-2H-thiopyranyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, pyrrolidinyl,
or cycloheptyl, each optionally substituted with one or more
-Q.sub.5-T.sub.5.
[0142] For example, R.sub.7 is cyclopentyl cyclohexyl or
tetrahydro-2H-thiopyranyl, each of which is optionally substituted
with one or more -Q.sub.5-T.sub.5.
[0143] For example, Q.sub.5 is NHC(O) and T.sub.5 is
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, each
[0144] For example, one or more -Q.sub.5-T.sub.5 are oxo.
[0145] For example, R.sub.7 is 1-oxide-tetrahydro-2H-thiopyranyl or
1,1-dioxide-tetrahydro-2H-thiopyranyl.
[0146] For example, Q.sub.5 is a bond and T.sub.5 is amino,
mono-C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylamino, di-C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylamino.
[0147] For example, Q.sub.5 is CO, S(O).sub.2, or NHC(O); and
T.sub.5 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxyl,
C.sub.3-C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, or 4 to 7-membered
heterocycloalkyl.
[0148] For example, R.sub.8 is H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl which is
optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from
the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, COOH,
C(O)O--C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, cyano, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxyl,
amino, mono-C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylamino, and di-C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkylamino.
[0149] For example, R.sub.8 is H, methyl, or ethyl.
[0150] Other compounds of Formulae (I)-(VIa) suitable for the
methods of the disclosure are described in U.S. Publications US
20120264734 and US 20140107122, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties. The compounds of the
disclosure are suitable for administration as part of a combination
therapy with one or more other therapeutic agents or treatment
modality, suitable to be administered together, sequentially, or in
alternation.
[0151] In some embodiments, the compound suitable for the methods
disclosed herein is EPZ-6438 (tazemetostat):
##STR00016##
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
[0152] EPZ-6438 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as
described herein, is potent in targeting both WT and mutant EZH2.
EPZ-6438 is orally bioavailable and has high selectivity to EZH2
compared with other histone methyltransferases (i.e. >20,000
fold selectivity by Ki). Importantly, EPZ-6438 has target methyl
mark inhibition that results in the killing of genetically defined
cancer cells in vitro. Animal models have also shown sustained in
vivo efficacy following inhibition of target methyl mark. Clinical
trial results described herein also demonstrate the safety and
efficacy of EPZ-6438.
[0153] In some embodiments, EPZ-6438 or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof is administered to the subject at a dose of
approximately 100 mg to approximately 3200 mg daily, such as about
100 mg BID to about 1600 mg BID (e.g., 100 mg BID, 200 mg BID, 400
mg BID, 800 mg BID, or 1600 mg BID), for treating a germinal
center-derived lymphoma.
[0154] In some embodiments, EPZ-6438 or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof is administered in combination (either
simultaneously or sequentially) with a second therapeutic agent,
such as one or more components of R--CHOP, a BCL inhibitor, or a
BCR inhibitor. The therapeutic agent for the combination therapy,
for example, is selected from Alisertib, Dasatinib, Enzastaurin,
GDC00068, GSK1070916, GSK2126458, GSK690693, Sorafenib,
Vemurafenib, Ruxolitinib, Fedratinib, Tofacitinib, JQ1,
Methotrexate, Lenalidomide, OG-L002, and GSK J4; preferably
selected from Alisertib, Enzastaurin, Vemurafenib, Dasatinib,
GDC00068, GSK1070916, GSK2126458, GSK690693, and JQ1, or preferably
selected from GDC00068, GSK1070916, GSK2126458, GSK690693, and JQ1,
or preferably selected from Alisertib, Enzastaurin, and
Vemurafenib. For example, EPZ-6438 or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof (either referred to as "EPZ-6438" in FIGS. 1-6) has
either additive or synergistic effects when combined with drugs
that target the BCR/PI3K pathways in cell lines harboring either
mutant EZH2, or WT EZH2 germinal center lymphoma cell lines. See,
e.g., FIGS. 1 and 3, and Tables 2 and 3. There has been no effect
observed in ABC lymphoma cell lines when they are exposed to a
combination of EPZ-6438 and drugs that target BCR/PI3K pathways.
Importantly, EPZ-6438, combined with a drug that targets the
BCR/PI3K pathways, shows a synergistic effect in germinal center
B-cell lymphoma (GCB lymphoma) cell lines, regardless of whether
the GCB-lymphoma cell lines contained WT or mutant EZH2
protein.
[0155] Other embodiments or examples of combination therapy are
described in co-pending application, i.e., PCT/US2014/069167, and
International Application PCT/US2013/036452 which published as WO
2013/155464, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entireties.
[0156] In some embodiments, a compound (e.g., EZH2 inhibitor) that
can be used in any methods presented here is:
##STR00017## ##STR00018##
or stereoisomers thereof or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and
solvates thereof.
[0157] In certain embodiments, a compound that can be used in any
methods presented here is Compound E:
##STR00019##
or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
[0158] In some embodiments, a compound (e.g., EZH2 inhibitor) that
can be used in any methods presented here is GSK-126 having the
following formula:
##STR00020##
stereoisomers thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or
solvates thereof.
[0159] In certain embodiments, a compound that can be used in any
methods presented here is Compound F:
##STR00021##
or stereoisomers thereof or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and
solvates thereof.
[0160] In certain embodiments, a compound (e.g., EZH2 inhibitor)
that can be used in any methods presented here is any of Compounds
Ga-Gc:
##STR00022##
or a stereoisomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate
thereof.
[0161] In certain embodiments, a compound (e.g., EZH2 inhibitor)
that can be used in any methods presented here is CPI-1205 or
GSK343.
[0162] Additional suitable EZH2 inhibitors will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. In some embodiments of the strategies,
treatment modalities, methods, combinations, and compositions
provided herein, the EZH2 inhibitor is an EZH2 inhibitor described
in U.S. Pat. No. 8,536,179 (describing GSK-126 among other
compounds and corresponding to WO 2011/140324), the entire contents
of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0163] In some embodiments of the strategies, treatment modalities,
methods, combinations, and compositions provided herein, the EZH2
inhibitor is an EZH2 inhibitor described in PCT/US2014/015706,
published as WO 2014/124418, in PCT/US2013/025639, published as WO
2013/120104, and in U.S. Ser. No. 14/839,273, published as US
2015/0368229, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated
herein by reference. In some embodiments of the strategies,
treatment modalities, methods, combinations, and compositions
provided herein, the EZH2 inhibitor is a compound of the
formula:
##STR00023##
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (see, for example US
2015/0368229, the contents of which are incorporated herein).
[0164] As used herein, "alkyl", "C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3,
C.sub.4, C.sub.5 or C.sub.6 alkyl" or "C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl" is
intended to include C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 or
C.sub.6 straight chain (linear) saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon
groups and C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 or C.sub.6 branched saturated
aliphatic hydrocarbon groups. For example, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl is
intended to include C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 and
C.sub.6 alkyl groups. Examples of alkyl include, moieties having
from one to six carbon atoms, such as, but not limited to, methyl,
ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl,
s-pentyl or n-hexyl.
[0165] In certain embodiments, a straight chain or branched alkyl
has six or fewer carbon atoms (e.g., C.sub.1-C.sub.6 for straight
chain, C.sub.3-C.sub.6 for branched chain), and in another
embodiment, a straight chain or branched alkyl has four or fewer
carbon atoms.
[0166] As used herein, the term "cycloalkyl" refers to a saturated
or unsaturated nonaromatic hydrocarbon mono- or multi-ring (e.g.,
fused, bridged, or spiro rings) system having 3 to 30 carbon atoms
(e.g., C.sub.3-C.sub.10). Examples of cycloalkyl include, but are
not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,
cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl,
cycloheptenyl, and adamantyl. The term "heterocycloalkyl" refers to
a saturated or unsaturated nonaromatic 3-8 membered monocyclic,
7-12 membered bicyclic (fused, bridged, or spiro rings), or 11-14
membered tricyclic ring system (fused, bridged, or spiro rings)
having one or more heteroatoms (such as O, N, S, or Se), unless
specified otherwise. Examples of heterocycloalkyl groups include,
but are not limited to, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl,
dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, isoindolinyl, indolinyl,
imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl,
triazolidinyl, tetrahyrofuranyl, oxiranyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl,
thietanyl, 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinyl, tetrahydropyranyl,
dihydropyranyl, pyranyl, morpholinyl, 1,4-diazepanyl,
1,4-oxazepanyl, 2-oxa-5-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl,
2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, 2-oxa-6-azaspiro[3.3]heptanyl,
2,6-diazaspiro[3.3]heptanyl, 1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decanyl and
the like.
[0167] The term "optionally substituted alkyl" refers to
unsubstituted alkyl or alkyl having designated substituents
replacing one or more hydrogen atoms on one or more carbons of the
hydrocarbon backbone. Such substituents can include, for example,
alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy,
arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy,
carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl,
aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl,
alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato,
amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino
and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino,
arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), amidino, imino,
sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfates,
alkylsulfinyl, sulfonato, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro,
trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclyl, alkylaryl, or an
aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety.
[0168] An "arylalkyl" or an "aralkyl" moiety is an alkyl
substituted with an aryl (e.g., phenylmethyl (benzyl)). An
"alkylaryl" moiety is an aryl substituted with an alkyl (e.g.,
methylphenyl).
[0169] As used herein, "alkyl linker" is intended to include
C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 or C.sub.6 straight
chain (linear) saturated divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and
C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 or C.sub.6 branched saturated aliphatic
hydrocarbon groups. For example, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl linker is
intended to include C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 and
C.sub.6 alkyl linker groups. Examples of alkyl linker include,
moieties having from one to six carbon atoms, such as, but not
limited to, methyl (--CH.sub.2--), ethyl (--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--),
n-propyl (--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), i-propyl
(--CHCH.sub.3CH.sub.2--), n-butyl
(--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), s-butyl
(--CHCH.sub.3CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), i-butyl
(--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2--), n-pentyl
(--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), s-pentyl
(--CHCH.sub.3CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--) or n-hexyl
(--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--).
[0170] "Alkenyl" includes unsaturated aliphatic groups analogous in
length and possible substitution to the alkyls described above, but
that contain at least one double bond. For example, the term
"alkenyl" includes straight chain alkenyl groups (e.g., ethenyl,
propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl,
decenyl), and branched alkenyl groups. In certain embodiments, a
straight chain or branched alkenyl group has six or fewer carbon
atoms in its backbone (e.g., C.sub.2-C.sub.6 for straight chain,
C.sub.3-C.sub.6 for branched chain). The term "C.sub.2-C.sub.6"
includes alkenyl groups containing two to six carbon atoms. The
term "C.sub.3-C.sub.6" includes alkenyl groups containing three to
six carbon atoms.
[0171] The term "optionally substituted alkenyl" refers to
unsubstituted alkenyl or alkenyl having designated substituents
replacing one or more hydrogen atoms on one or more hydrocarbon
backbone carbon atoms. Such substituents can include, for example,
alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy,
arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy,
carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl,
aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl,
alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato,
amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino
and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino,
arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), amidino, imino,
sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfates,
alkylsulfinyl, sulfonato, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro,
trifluoromethyl, cyano, heterocyclyl, alkylaryl, or an aromatic or
heteroaromatic moiety.
[0172] "Alkynyl" includes unsaturated aliphatic groups analogous in
length and possible substitution to the alkyls described above, but
which contain at least one triple bond. For example, "alkynyl"
includes straight chain alkynyl groups (e.g., ethynyl, propynyl,
butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, heptynyl, octynyl, nonynyl, decynyl),
and branched alkynyl groups. In certain embodiments, a straight
chain or branched alkynyl group has six or fewer carbon atoms in
its backbone (e.g., C.sub.2-C.sub.6 for straight chain,
C.sub.3-C.sub.6 for branched chain). The term "C.sub.2-C.sub.6"
includes alkynyl groups containing two to six carbon atoms. The
term "C.sub.3-C.sub.6" includes alkynyl groups containing three to
six carbon atoms.
[0173] The term "optionally substituted alkynyl" refers to
unsubstituted alkynyl or alkynyl having designated substituents
replacing one or more hydrogen atoms on one or more hydrocarbon
backbone carbon atoms. Such substituents can include, for example,
alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy,
arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy,
carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl,
aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl,
alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato,
amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino
and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino,
arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), amidino, imino,
sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfates,
alkylsulfinyl, sulfonato, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro,
trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclyl, alkylaryl, or an
aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety.
[0174] Other optionally substituted moieties (such as optionally
substituted cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl)
include both the unsubstituted moieties and the moieties having one
or more of the designated substituents. For example, substituted
heterocycloalkyl includes those substituted with one or more alkyl
groups, such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinyl and
2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinyl.
[0175] "Aryl" includes groups with aromaticity, including
"conjugated," or multicyclic systems with at least one aromatic
ring and do not contain any heteroatom in the ring structure.
Examples include phenyl, benzyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalenyl,
etc.
[0176] "Heteroaryl" groups are aryl groups, as defined above,
except having from one to four heteroatoms in the ring structure,
and may also be referred to as "aryl heterocycles" or
"heteroaromatics." As used herein, the term "heteroaryl" is
intended to include a stable 5-, 6-, or 7-membered monocyclic or
7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 11- or 12-membered bicyclic aromatic heterocyclic
ring which consists of carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms,
e.g., 1 or 1-2 or 1-3 or 1-4 or 1-5 or 1-6 heteroatoms, or e.g., 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 heteroatoms, independently selected from the group
consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. The nitrogen atom may be
substituted or unsubstituted (i.e., N or NR wherein R is H or other
substituents, as defined). The nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may
optionally be oxidized (i.e., N.fwdarw.O and S(O).sub.p, where p=1
or 2). It is to be noted that total number of S and O atoms in the
aromatic heterocycle is not more than 1.
[0177] Examples of heteroaryl groups include pyrrole, furan,
thiophene, thiazole, isothiazole, imidazole, triazole, tetrazole,
pyrazole, oxazole, isoxazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyridazine,
pyrimidine, and the like.
[0178] Furthermore, the terms "aryl" and "heteroaryl" include
multicyclic aryl and heteroaryl groups, e.g., tricyclic, bicyclic,
e.g., naphthalene, benzoxazole, benzodioxazole, benzothiazole,
benzoimidazole, benzothiophene, methylenedioxyphenyl, quinoline,
isoquinoline, naphthrydine, indole, benzofuran, purine, benzofuran,
deazapurine, indolizine.
[0179] In the case of multicyclic aromatic rings, only one of the
rings needs to be aromatic (e.g., 2,3-dihydroindole), although all
of the rings may be aromatic (e.g., quinoline). The second ring can
also be fused or bridged.
[0180] The cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring
can be substituted at one or more ring positions (e.g., the
ring-forming carbon or heteroatom such as N) with such substituents
as described above, for example, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen,
hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy,
alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl,
alkylaminocarbonyl, aralkylaminocarbonyl, alkenylaminocarbonyl,
alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, aralkylcarbonyl, alkenylcarbonyl,
alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, phosphate,
phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino,
dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino and alkylarylamino), acylamino
(including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and
ureido), amidino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio,
thiocarboxylate, sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonato, sulfamoyl,
sulfonamido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclyl,
alkylaryl, or an aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety. Aryl and
heteroaryl groups can also be fused or bridged with alicyclic or
heterocyclic rings, which are not aromatic so as to form a
multicyclic system (e.g., tetralin, methylenedioxyphenyl).
[0181] As used herein, "carbocycle" or "carbocyclic ring" is
intended to include any stable monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic
ring having the specified number of carbons, any of which may be
saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic. Carbocycle includes cycloalkyl
and aryl. For example, a C.sub.3-C.sub.14 carbocycle is intended to
include a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic ring having 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 carbon atoms. Examples of carbocycles
include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,
cyclobutenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexyl,
cycloheptenyl, cycloheptyl, cycloheptenyl, adamantyl, cyclooctyl,
cyclooctenyl, cyclooctadienyl, fluorenyl, phenyl, naphthyl,
indanyl, adamantyl and tetrahydronaphthyl. Bridged rings are also
included in the definition of carbocycle, including, for example,
[3.3.0]bicyclooctane, [4.3.0]bicyclononane, [4.4.0]bicyclodecane
and [2.2.2]bicyclooctane. A bridged ring occurs when one or more
carbon atoms link two non-adjacent carbon atoms. In some
embodiments, bridge rings are one or two carbon atoms. It is noted
that a bridge always converts a monocyclic ring into a tricyclic
ring. When a ring is bridged, the substituents recited for the ring
may also be present on the bridge. Fused (e.g., naphthyl,
tetrahydronaphthyl) and spiro rings are also included.
[0182] As used herein, "heterocycle" or "heterocyclic group"
includes any ring structure (saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic)
which contains at least one ring heteroatom (e.g., N, O or S).
Heterocycle includes heterocycloalkyl and heteroaryl. Examples of
heterocycles include, but are not limited to, morpholine,
pyrrolidine, tetrahydrothiophene, piperidine, piperazine, oxetane,
pyran, tetrahydropyran, azetidine, and tetrahydrofuran.
[0183] Examples of heterocyclic groups include, but are not limited
to, acridinyl, azocinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl,
benzothiofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, benzoxazolyl, benzoxazolinyl,
benzthiazolyl, benztriazolyl, benztetrazolyl, benzisoxazolyl,
benzisothiazolyl, benzimidazolinyl, carbazolyl, 4aH-carbazolyl,
carbolinyl, chromanyl, chromenyl, cinnolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl,
2H,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, dihydrofuro[2,3-b]tetrahydrofuran,
furanyl, furazanyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl,
1H-indazolyl, indolenyl, indolinyl, indolizinyl, indolyl,
3H-indolyl, isatinoyl, isobenzofuranyl, isochromanyl, isoindazolyl,
isoindolinyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl,
methylenedioxyphenyl, morpholinyl, naphthyridinyl,
octahydroisoquinolinyl, oxadiazolyl, 1,2,3-oxadiazolyl,
1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,5-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl,
1,2,4-oxadiazol5(4H)-one, oxazolidinyl, oxazolyl, oxindolyl,
pyrimidinyl, phenanthridinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl,
phenothiazinyl, phenoxathinyl, phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl,
piperazinyl, piperidinyl, piperidonyl, 4-piperidonyl, piperonyl,
pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolidinyl,
pyrazolinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridooxazole,
pyridoimidazole, pyridothiazole, pyridinyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl,
pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl,
quinolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinuclidinyl,
tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl,
tetrazolyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl, 1,2,3-thiadiazolyl,
1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl,
thianthrenyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, thienothiazolyl, thienooxazolyl,
thienoimidazolyl, thiophenyl, triazinyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl,
1,2,4-triazolyl, 1,2,5-triazolyl, 1,3,4-triazolyl and
xanthenyl.
[0184] The term "substituted," as used herein, means that any one
or more hydrogen atoms on the designated atom is replaced with a
selection from the indicated groups, provided that the designated
atom's normal valency is not exceeded, and that the substitution
results in a stable compound. When a substituent is oxo or keto
(i.e., .dbd.O), then 2 hydrogen atoms on the atom are replaced.
Keto substituents are not present on aromatic moieties. Ring double
bonds, as used herein, are double bonds that are formed between two
adjacent ring atoms (e.g., C.dbd.C, C.dbd.N or N.dbd.N). "Stable
compound" and "stable structure" are meant to indicate a compound
that is sufficiently robust to survive isolation to a useful degree
of purity from a reaction mixture, and formulation into an
efficacious therapeutic agent.
[0185] When a bond to a substituent is shown to cross a bond
connecting two atoms in a ring, then such substituent may be bonded
to any atom in the ring. When a substituent is listed without
indicating the atom via which such substituent is bonded to the
rest of the compound of a given formula, then such substituent may
be bonded via any atom in such formula. Combinations of
substituents and/or variables are permissible, but only if such
combinations result in stable compounds.
[0186] When any variable (e.g., R.sub.1) occurs more than one time
in any constituent or formula for a compound, its definition at
each occurrence is independent of its definition at every other
occurrence. Thus, for example, if a group is shown to be
substituted with 0-2 R.sub.1 moieties, then the group may
optionally be substituted with up to two R.sub.1 moieties and
R.sub.1 at each occurrence is selected independently from the
definition of R.sub.1. Also, combinations of substituents and/or
variables are permissible, but only if such combinations result in
stable compounds.
[0187] The term "hydroxy" or "hydroxyl" includes groups with an
--OH or --O.
[0188] As used herein, "halo" or "halogen" refers to fluoro,
chloro, bromo and iodo. The term "perhalogenated" generally refers
to a moiety wherein all hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen
atoms. The term "haloalkyl" or "haloalkoxyl" refers to an alkyl or
alkoxyl substituted with one or more halogen atoms.
[0189] The term "carbonyl" includes compounds and moieties which
contain a carbon connected with a double bond to an oxygen atom.
Examples of moieties containing a carbonyl include, but are not
limited to, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amides, esters,
anhydrides, etc.
[0190] The term "carboxyl" refers to --COOH or its C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkyl ester.
[0191] "Acyl" includes moieties that contain the acyl radical
(R--C(O)--) or a carbonyl group. "Substituted acyl" includes acyl
groups where one or more of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by, for
example, alkyl groups, alkynyl groups, halogen, hydroxyl,
alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy,
aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl,
alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl,
dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate,
phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino,
dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino and alkylarylamino), acylamino
(including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and
ureido), amidino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio,
thiocarboxylate, sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonato, sulfamoyl,
sulfonamido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclyl,
alkylaryl, or an aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety.
[0192] "Aroyl" includes moieties with an aryl or heteroaromatic
moiety bound to a carbonyl group. Examples of aroyl groups include
phenylcarboxy, naphthyl carboxy, etc.
[0193] "Alkoxyalkyl," "alkylaminoalkyl," and "thioalkoxyalkyl"
include alkyl groups, as described above, wherein oxygen, nitrogen,
or sulfur atoms replace one or more hydrocarbon backbone carbon
atoms.
[0194] The term "alkoxy" or "alkoxyl" includes substituted and
unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups covalently linked
to an oxygen atom. Examples of alkoxy groups or alkoxyl radicals
include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropyloxy,
propoxy, butoxy and pentoxy groups. Examples of substituted alkoxy
groups include halogenated alkoxy groups. The alkoxy groups can be
substituted with groups such as alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen,
hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy,
aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl,
alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl,
dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate,
phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino,
dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, and alkylarylamino),
acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino,
carbamoyl and ureido), amidino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio,
arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonato,
sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido,
heterocyclyl, alkylaryl, or an aromatic or heteroaromatic moieties.
Examples of halogen substituted alkoxy groups include, but are not
limited to, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy,
chloromethoxy, dichloromethoxy and trichloromethoxy.
[0195] The term "ether" or "alkoxy" includes compounds or moieties
which contain an oxygen bonded to two carbon atoms or heteroatoms.
For example, the term includes "alkoxyalkyl," which refers to an
alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group covalently bonded to an oxygen
atom which is covalently bonded to an alkyl group.
[0196] The term "ester" includes compounds or moieties which
contain a carbon or a heteroatom bound to an oxygen atom which is
bonded to the carbon of a carbonyl group. The term "ester" includes
alkoxycarboxy groups such as methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl,
propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, etc.
[0197] The term "thioalkyl" includes compounds or moieties which
contain an alkyl group connected with a sulfur atom. The thioalkyl
groups can be substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl,
alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy,
alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, carboxyacid,
alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl,
alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl,
alkoxyl, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino,
diarylamino and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including
alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido),
amidino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate,
sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonato, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro,
trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclyl, alkylaryl, or an
aromatic or heteroaromatic moieties.
[0198] The term "thiocarbonyl" or "thiocarboxy" includes compounds
and moieties which contain a carbon connected with a double bond to
a sulfur atom.
[0199] The term "thioether" includes moieties which contain a
sulfur atom bonded to two carbon atoms or heteroatoms. Examples of
thioethers include, but are not limited to alkthioalkyls,
alkthioalkenyls, and alkthioalkynyls. The term "alkthioalkyls"
include moieties with an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group bonded to
a sulfur atom which is bonded to an alkyl group. Similarly, the
term "alkthioalkenyls" refers to moieties wherein an alkyl, alkenyl
or alkynyl group is bonded to a sulfur atom which is covalently
bonded to an alkenyl group; and alkthioalkynyls" refers to moieties
wherein an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group is bonded to a sulfur
atom which is covalently bonded to an alkynyl group.
[0200] As used herein, "amine" or "amino" refers to unsubstituted
or substituted --NH.sub.2. "Alkylamino" includes groups of
compounds wherein nitrogen of --NH.sub.2 is bound to at least one
alkyl group. Examples of alkylamino groups include benzylamino,
methylamino, ethylamino, phenethylamino, etc. "Dialkylamino"
includes groups wherein the nitrogen of --NH.sub.2 is bound to at
least two additional alkyl groups. Examples of dialkylamino groups
include, but are not limited to, dimethylamino and diethylamino.
"Arylamino" and "diarylamino" include groups wherein the nitrogen
is bound to at least one or two aryl groups, respectively.
"Aminoaryl" and "aminoaryloxy" refer to aryl and aryloxy
substituted with amino. "Alkylarylamino," "alkylaminoaryl" or
"arylaminoalkyl" refers to an amino group which is bound to at
least one alkyl group and at least one aryl group. "Alkaminoalkyl"
refers to an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group bound to a nitrogen
atom which is also bound to an alkyl group. "Acylamino" includes
groups wherein nitrogen is bound to an acyl group. Examples of
acylamino include, but are not limited to, alkylcarbonylamino,
arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido groups.
[0201] The term "amide" or "aminocarboxy" includes compounds or
moieties that contain a nitrogen atom that is bound to the carbon
of a carbonyl or a thiocarbonyl group. The term includes
"alkaminocarboxy" groups that include alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl
groups bound to an amino group which is bound to the carbon of a
carbonyl or thiocarbonyl group. It also includes "arylaminocarboxy"
groups that include aryl or heteroaryl moieties bound to an amino
group that is bound to the carbon of a carbonyl or thiocarbonyl
group. The terms "alkylaminocarboxy", "alkenylaminocarboxy",
"alkynylaminocarboxy" and "arylaminocarboxy" include moieties
wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and aryl moieties, respectively,
are bound to a nitrogen atom which is in turn bound to the carbon
of a carbonyl group. Amides can be substituted with substituents
such as straight chain alkyl, branched alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl,
heteroaryl or heterocycle. Substituents on amide groups may be
further substituted.
[0202] Compounds of the present disclosure that contain nitrogens
can be converted to N-oxides by treatment with an oxidizing agent
(e.g., 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA) and/or hydrogen
peroxides) to afford other compounds suitable for any methods
disclosed herein. Thus, all shown and claimed nitrogen-containing
compounds are considered, when allowed by valency and structure, to
include both the compound as shown and its N-oxide derivative
(which can be designated as N.fwdarw.O or N.sup.+--O.sup.-).
Furthermore, in other instances, the nitrogens in the compounds of
the present disclosure can be converted to N-hydroxy or N-alkoxy
compounds. For example, N-hydroxy compounds can be prepared by
oxidation of the parent amine by an oxidizing agent such as m-CPBA.
All shown and claimed nitrogen-containing compounds are also
considered, when allowed by valency and structure, to cover both
the compound as shown and its N-hydroxy (i.e., N--OH) and N-alkoxy
(i.e., N--OR, wherein R is substituted or unsubstituted
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkynyl, 3-14-membered carbocycle or 3-14-membered heterocycle)
derivatives.
[0203] "Isomerism" means compounds that have identical molecular
formulae but differ in the sequence of bonding of their atoms or in
the arrangement of their atoms in space. Isomers that differ in the
arrangement of their atoms in space are termed "stereoisomers."
Stereoisomers that are not mirror images of one another are termed
"diastereoisomers," and stereoisomers that are non-superimposable
mirror images of each other are termed "enantiomers" or sometimes
optical isomers. A mixture containing equal amounts of individual
enantiomeric forms of opposite chirality is termed a "racemic
mixture."
[0204] A carbon atom bonded to four nonidentical substituents is
termed a "chiral center."
[0205] "Chiral isomer" means a compound with at least one chiral
center. Compounds with more than one chiral center may exist either
as an individual diastereomer or as a mixture of diastereomers,
termed "diastereomeric mixture." When one chiral center is present,
a stereoisomer may be characterized by the absolute configuration
(R or S) of that chiral center. Absolute configuration refers to
the arrangement in space of the substituents attached to the chiral
center. The substituents attached to the chiral center under
consideration are ranked in accordance with the Sequence Rule of
Cahn, Ingold and Prelog. (Cahn et al., Angew. Chem. Inter. Edit.
1966, 5, 385; errata 511; Cahn et al., Angew. Chem. 1966, 78, 413;
Cahn and Ingold, J. Chem. Soc. 1951 (London), 612; Cahn et al.,
Experientia 1956, 12, 81; Cahn, J. Chem. Educ. 1964, 41, 116).
[0206] "Geometric isomer" means the diastereomers that owe their
existence to hindered rotation about double bonds or a cycloalkyl
linker (e.g., 1,3-cylcobutyl). These configurations are
differentiated in their names by the prefixes cis and trans, or Z
and E, which indicate that the groups are on the same or opposite
side of the double bond in the molecule according to the
Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules.
[0207] It is to be understood that the compounds of the present
disclosure may be depicted as different chiral isomers or geometric
isomers. It should also be understood that when compounds have
chiral isomeric or geometric isomeric forms, all isomeric forms are
intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure, and
the naming of the compounds does not exclude any isomeric
forms.
[0208] Furthermore, the structures and other compounds discussed in
this disclosure include all atropic isomers thereof "Atropic
isomers" are a type of stereoisomer in which the atoms of two
isomers are arranged differently in space. Atropic isomers owe
their existence to a restricted rotation caused by hindrance of
rotation of large groups about a central bond. Such atropic isomers
typically exist as a mixture, however as a result of recent
advances in chromatography techniques, it has been possible to
separate mixtures of two atropic isomers in select cases.
[0209] "Tautomer" is one of two or more structural isomers that
exist in equilibrium and is readily converted from one isomeric
form to another. This conversion results in the formal migration of
a hydrogen atom accompanied by a switch of adjacent conjugated
double bonds. Tautomers exist as a mixture of a tautomeric set in
solution. In solutions where tautomerization is possible, a
chemical equilibrium of the tautomers will be reached. The exact
ratio of the tautomers depends on several factors, including
temperature, solvent and pH. The concept of tautomers that are
interconvertible by tautomerizations is called tautomerism.
[0210] Of the various types of tautomerism that are possible, two
are commonly observed. In keto-enol tautomerism a simultaneous
shift of electrons and a hydrogen atom occurs. Ring-chain
tautomerism arises as a result of the aldehyde group (--CHO) in a
sugar chain molecule reacting with one of the hydroxy groups (--OH)
in the same molecule to give it a cyclic (ring-shaped) form as
exhibited by glucose.
[0211] Common tautomeric pairs are: ketone-enol, amide-nitrile,
lactam-lactim, amide-imidic acid tautomerism in heterocyclic rings
(e.g., in nucleobases such as guanine, thymine and cytosine),
imine-enamine and enamine-enamine. An example of keto-enol
equilibria is between pyridin-2(1H)-ones and the corresponding
pyridin-2-ols, as shown below.
##STR00024##
[0212] It is to be understood that the compounds of the present
disclosure may be depicted as different tautomers. It should also
be understood that when compounds have tautomeric forms, all
tautomeric forms are intended to be included in the scope of the
present disclosure, and the naming of the compounds does not
exclude any tautomer form.
[0213] The compounds of the present disclosure include the
compounds themselves, as well as their salts and their solvates, if
applicable. A salt, for example, can be formed between an anion and
a positively charged group (e.g., amino) on an aryl- or
heteroaryl-substituted benzene compound. Suitable anions include
chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, bisulfate, sulfamate, nitrate,
phosphate, citrate, methanesulfonate, trifluoroacetate, glutamate,
glucuronate, glutarate, malate, maleate, succinate, fumarate,
tartrate, tosylate, salicylate, lactate, naphthalenesulfonate, and
acetate (e.g., trifluoroacetate). The term "pharmaceutically
acceptable anion" refers to an anion suitable for forming a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt. Likewise, a salt can also be
formed between a cation and a negatively charged group (e.g.,
carboxylate) on an aryl- or heteroaryl-substituted benzene
compound. Suitable cations include sodium ion, potassium ion,
magnesium ion, calcium ion, and an ammonium cation such as
tetramethylammonium ion. The aryl- or heteroaryl-substituted
benzene compounds also include those salts containing quaternary
nitrogen atoms. In the salt form, it is understood that the ratio
of the compound to the cation or anion of the salt can be 1:1, or
any ration other than 1:1, e.g., 3:1, 2:1, 1:2, or 1:3.
[0214] Additionally, the compounds of the present disclosure, for
example, the salts of the compounds, can exist in either hydrated
or unhydrated (the anhydrous) form or as solvates with other
solvent molecules. Nonlimiting examples of hydrates include
monohydrates, dihydrates, etc. Nonlimiting examples of solvates
include ethanol solvates, acetone solvates, etc.
[0215] "Solvate" means solvent addition forms that contain either
stoichiometric or non stoichiometric amounts of solvent. Some
compounds have a tendency to trap a fixed molar ratio of solvent
molecules in the crystalline solid state, thus forming a solvate.
If the solvent is water the solvate formed is a hydrate; and if the
solvent is alcohol, the solvate formed is an alcoholate. Hydrates
are formed by the combination of one or more molecules of water
with one molecule of the substance in which the water retains its
molecular state as H.sub.2O.
[0216] As used herein, the term "analog" refers to a chemical
compound that is structurally similar to another but differs
slightly in composition (as in the replacement of one atom by an
atom of a different element or in the presence of a particular
functional group, or the replacement of one functional group by
another functional group). Thus, an analog is a compound that is
similar or comparable in function and appearance, but not in
structure or origin to the reference compound.
[0217] As defined herein, the term "derivative" refers to compounds
that have a common core structure, and are substituted with various
groups as described herein. For example, all of the compounds
represented by Formula (I) are aryl- or heteroaryl-substituted
benzene compounds, and have Formula (I) as a common core.
[0218] The term "bioisostere" refers to a compound resulting from
the exchange of an atom or of a group of atoms with another,
broadly similar, atom or group of atoms. The objective of a
bioisosteric replacement is to create a new compound with similar
biological properties to the parent compound. The bioisosteric
replacement may be physicochemically or topologically based.
Examples of carboxylic acid bioisosteres include, but are not
limited to, acyl sulfonimides, tetrazoles, sulfonates and
phosphonates. See, e.g., Patani and LaVoie, Chem. Rev. 96,
3147-3176, 1996.
[0219] The present disclosure is intended to include all isotopes
of atoms occurring in the present compounds. Isotopes include those
atoms having the same atomic number but different mass numbers. By
way of general example and without limitation, isotopes of hydrogen
include tritium and deuterium, and isotopes of carbon include C-13
and C-14.
[0220] In certain embodiments, "combination therapy" is intended to
embrace administration of two or more therapeutic agents in a
sequential manner, wherein each therapeutic agent is administered
at a different time, as well as administration of these therapeutic
agents, or at least two of the therapeutic agents concurrently, or
in a substantially simultaneous manner. Simultaneous administration
can be accomplished, for example, by administering to the subject a
single capsule having a fixed ratio of each therapeutic agent or in
multiple, single capsules for each of the therapeutic agents.
Sequential or substantially simultaneous administration of each
therapeutic agent can be effected by any appropriate route
including, but not limited to, oral routes, intravenous routes,
intramuscular routes, and direct absorption through mucous membrane
tissues. The therapeutic agents can be administered by the same
route or by different routes. For example, a first therapeutic
agent of the combination selected may be administered by
intravenous injection while the other therapeutic agents of the
combination may be administered orally. Alternatively, for example,
all therapeutic agents may be administered orally or all
therapeutic agents may be administered by intravenous injection.
Therapeutic agents may also be administered in alternation.
[0221] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the combination
therapies featured in the present disclosure can result in a
synergistic effect in the treatment of a disease or cancer. A
"synergistic effect" is defined as where the efficacy of a
combination of therapeutic agents is greater than the sum of the
effects of any of the agents given alone. A synergistic effect may
also be an effect that cannot be achieved by administration of any
of the compounds or other therapeutic agents as single agents. The
synergistic effect may include, but is not limited to, an effect of
treating cancer by reducing tumor size, inhibiting tumor growth, or
increasing survival of the subject. The synergistic effect may also
include reducing cancer cell viability, inducing cancer cell death,
and inhibiting or delaying cancer cell growth.
[0222] In certain aspects of the disclosure "combination therapy"
also embraces the administration of the therapeutic agents as
described above in further combination with other biologically
active ingredients and non-drug therapies (e.g., surgery or
radiation treatment). Where the combination therapy further
comprises a non-drug treatment, the non-drug treatment may be
conducted at any suitable time so long as a beneficial effect from
the co-action of the combination of the therapeutic agents and
non-drug treatment is achieved. For example, in appropriate cases,
the beneficial effect is still achieved when the non-drug treatment
is temporally removed from the administration of the therapeutic
agents, perhaps by days or even weeks.
[0223] In another aspect, a composition of the present disclosure,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, analog or
derivative thereof, may be administered in combination with
radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can also be administered in
combination with a composition of the present disclosure and
another chemotherapeutic agent described herein as part of a
multiple agent therapy.
[0224] Combination therapy can be achieved by administering two or
more agents, e.g., EPZ-6438 and one or more other therapeutic
agents, each of which is formulated and administered separately, or
by administering two or more agents in a single formulation. Other
combinations are also encompassed by combination therapy. For
example, two agents can be formulated together and administered in
conjunction with a separate formulation containing a third agent.
While the two or more agents in the combination therapy can be
administered simultaneously, they need not be. For example,
administration of a first agent (or combination of agents) can
precede administration of a second agent (or combination of agents)
by minutes, hours, days, or weeks. Thus, the two or more agents can
be administered within minutes of each other or within 1, 2, 3, 6,
9, 12, 15, 18, or 24 hours of each other or within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 days of each other or within 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks of each other. In some cases even longer
intervals are possible. While in many cases it is desirable that
the two or more agents used in a combination therapy be present in
within the patient's body at the same time, this need not be
so.
[0225] The present disclosure also provides pharmaceutical
compositions comprising a compound of the disclosure or
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and one or more other
therapeutic agents disclosed herein, mixed with pharmaceutically
suitable carriers or excipient(s) at doses to treat or prevent a
disease or condition as described herein. In one aspect, the
present disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions
comprising any compound of the present disclosure or
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and one or more
therapeutic agents, mixed with pharmaceutically suitable carriers
or excipient (s) at doses to treat or prevent a disease or
condition as described herein. In another aspect, the present
disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising
EPZ-6438
##STR00025##
or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and one or more
therapeutic agents, mixed with pharmaceutically suitable carriers
or excipient(s) at doses to treat or prevent a disease or condition
as described herein. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present
disclosure can also be administered in combination with other
therapeutic agents or therapeutic modalities simultaneously,
sequentially, or in alternation.
[0226] In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition of
EPZ-6438 is administered simultaneously with a pharmaceutical
composition of another therapeutic agent that is selected from
Alisertib, Dasatinib, Enzastaurin, GDC00068, GSK1070916,
GSK2126458, GSK690693, Sorafenib, Vemurafenib, Ruxolitinib,
Fedratinib, Tofacitinib, JQ1, Methotrexate, Lenalidomide, OG-L002,
and GSK J4 (preferably selected from Dasatinib, GDC00068,
GSK1070916, GSK2126458, GSK690693, and JQ1, or preferably selected
from GDC00068, GSK1070916, GSK2126458, GSK690693, and JQ1). In
another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition of EPZ-6438 is
administered prior to administration of a combination of EPZ-6438
with another therapeutic agent that is selected from Alisertib,
Dasatinib, Enzastaurin, GDC00068, GSK1070916, GSK2126458,
GSK690693, Sorafenib, Vemurafenib, Ruxolitinib, Fedratinib,
Tofacitinib, JQ1, Methotrexate, Lenalidomide, OG-L002, and GSK J4
(preferably selected from Dasatinib, GDC00068, GSK1070916,
GSK2126458, GSK690693, and JQ1 or preferably selected from
GDC00068, GSK1070916, GSK2126458, GSK690693, and JQ1). In yet
another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition of EPZ-6438 is
administered subsequent to administration of a combination of
EPZ-6438 with another therapeutic agent that is selected from
Alisertib, Dasatinib, Enzastaurin, GDC00068, GSK1070916,
GSK2126458, GSK690693, Sorafenib, Vemurafenib, Ruxolitinib,
Fedratinib, Tofacitinib, JQ1, Methotrexate, Lenalidomide, OG-L002,
and GSK J4 (preferably selected from Dasatinib, GDC0068,
GSK1070916, GSK2126458, GSK690693, and JQ1 or preferably selected
from GDC0068, GSK1070916, GSK2126458, GSK690693, and JQ1).
[0227] A "pharmaceutical composition" is a formulation containing
the compound of the present disclosure in a form suitable for
administration to a subject. A compound of the present disclosure
and one or more other therapeutic agents described herein each can
be formulated individually or in multiple pharmaceutical
compositions in any combinations of the active ingredients.
Accordingly, one or more administration routes can be properly
elected based on the dosage form of each pharmaceutical
composition. Alternatively, a compound of the present disclosure
and one or more other therapeutic agents described herein can be
formulated as one pharmaceutical composition.
[0228] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is in
bulk or in unit dosage form. The unit dosage form is any of a
variety of forms, including, for example, a capsule, an IV bag, a
tablet, a single pump on an aerosol inhaler or a vial. The quantity
of active ingredient (e.g., a formulation of the disclosed compound
or salt, hydrate, solvate or isomer thereof) in a unit dose of
composition is an effective amount and is varied according to the
particular treatment involved. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that it is sometimes necessary to make routine
variations to the dosage depending on the age and condition of the
patient. The dosage will also depend on the route of
administration. A variety of routes are contemplated, including
oral, pulmonary, rectal, parenteral, transdermal, subcutaneous,
intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, inhalational, buccal,
sublingual, intrapleural, intrathecal, intranasal, and the like.
Dosage forms for the topical or transdermal administration of a
compound of this disclosure include powders, sprays, ointments,
pastes, creams, lotions, gels, solutions, patches and inhalants. In
some embodiments, the active compound is mixed under sterile
conditions with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and with any
preservatives, buffers, or propellants that are required.
[0229] As used herein, the phrase "pharmaceutically acceptable"
refers to those compounds, anions, cations, materials,
compositions, carriers, and/or dosage forms which are, within the
scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with
the tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity,
irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication,
commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.
[0230] "Pharmaceutically acceptable excipient" means an excipient
that is useful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is
generally safe, non-toxic and neither biologically nor otherwise
undesirable, and includes excipient that is acceptable for
veterinary use as well as human pharmaceutical use. A
"pharmaceutically acceptable excipient" as used in the
specification and claims includes both one and more than one such
excipient.
[0231] A pharmaceutical composition of the disclosure is formulated
to be compatible with its intended route of administration.
Examples of routes of administration include parenteral, e.g.,
intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, oral (e.g., inhalation),
transdermal (topical), and transmucosal administration. Solutions
or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, or subcutaneous
application can include the following components: a sterile diluent
such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils,
polyethylene glycols, glycerin, propylene glycol or other synthetic
solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl
parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite;
chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers
such as acetates, citrates or phosphates, and agents for the
adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. The pH
can be adjusted with acids or bases, such as hydrochloric acid or
sodium hydroxide. The parenteral preparation can be enclosed in
ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass
or plastic.
[0232] A composition of the present disclosure can be administered
to a subject in many of the well-known methods currently used for
chemotherapeutic treatment. For example, for treatment of cancers,
a compound of the present disclosure may be injected directly into
tumors, injected into the blood stream or body cavities or taken
orally or applied through the skin with patches. The dose chosen
should be sufficient to constitute effective treatment but not so
high as to cause unacceptable side effects. The state of the
disease condition (e.g., cancer, precancer, and the like) and the
health of the patient should preferably be closely monitored during
and for a reasonable period after treatment.
[0233] The term "therapeutically effective amount", as used herein,
refers to an amount of a pharmaceutical agent to treat, ameliorate,
or prevent an identified disease or condition, or to exhibit a
detectable therapeutic or inhibitory effect. The effect can be
detected by any assay method known in the art. The precise
effective amount for a subject will depend upon the subject's body
weight, size, and health; the nature and extent of the condition;
and the therapeutic or combination of therapeutics selected for
administration. For example, the therapeutically effective amount
of an EZH2 inhibitor can be different for a patient having an EZH2
wild type germinal center B-cell lymphoma than for a patient having
an EZH2 mutant germinal center B-cell lymphoma. Therapeutically
effective amounts for a given situation can be determined by
routine experimentation that is within the skill and judgment of
the clinician.
[0234] In certain embodiments the therapeutically effective amount
of each pharmaceutical agent used in combination will be lower when
used in combination in comparison to monotherapy with each agent
alone. Such lower therapeutically effective amount could afford for
lower toxicity of the therapeutic regimen.
[0235] For any compound, the therapeutically effective amount can
be estimated initially either in cell culture assays, e.g., of
neoplastic cells, or in animal models, usually rats, mice, rabbits,
dogs, or pigs. The animal model may also be used to determine the
appropriate concentration range and route of administration. Such
information can then be used to determine useful doses and routes
for administration in humans. Therapeutic/prophylactic efficacy and
toxicity may be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in
cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., ED.sub.50 (the dose
therapeutically effective in 50% of the population) and LD.sub.50
(the dose lethal to 50% of the population). The dose ratio between
toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index, and it can
be expressed as the ratio, LD.sub.50/ED.sub.50. Pharmaceutical
compositions that exhibit large therapeutic indices are preferred.
The dosage may vary within this range depending upon the dosage
form employed, sensitivity of the patient, and the route of
administration.
[0236] Dosage and administration are adjusted to provide sufficient
levels of the active agent(s) or to maintain the desired effect.
Factors which may be taken into account include the severity of the
disease state, general health of the subject, age, weight, and
gender of the subject, diet, time and frequency of administration,
drug combination(s), reaction sensitivities, and tolerance/response
to therapy. Long-acting pharmaceutical compositions may be
administered every 3 to 4 days, every week, or once every two weeks
depending on half-life and clearance rate of the particular
formulation.
[0237] The pharmaceutical compositions containing active compounds
of the present disclosure may be manufactured in a manner that is
generally known, e.g., by means of conventional mixing, dissolving,
granulating, dragee-making, levigating, emulsifying, encapsulating,
entrapping, or lyophilizing processes. Pharmaceutical compositions
may be formulated in a conventional manner using one or more
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers comprising excipients and/or
auxiliaries that facilitate processing of the active compounds into
preparations that can be used pharmaceutically. Of course, the
appropriate formulation is dependent upon the route of
administration chosen.
[0238] Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for injectable use
include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or
dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation
of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion. For intravenous
administration, suitable carriers include physiological saline,
bacteriostatic water, Cremophor EL.TM. (BASF, Parsippany, N.J.) or
phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In all cases, the composition must
be sterile and should be fluid to the extent that easy
syringeability exists. It must be stable under the conditions of
manufacture and storage and must be preserved against the
contaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
The carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for
example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene
glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable
mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for
example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the
maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion
and by the use of surfactants. Prevention of the action of
microorganisms can be achieved by various antibacterial and
antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol,
ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. In many cases, it will be
preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars,
polyalcohols such as mannitol and sorbitol, and sodium chloride in
the composition. Prolonged absorption of the injectable
compositions can be brought about by including in the composition
an agent which delays absorption, for example, aluminum
monostearate and gelatin.
[0239] Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by
incorporating the active compound in the required amount in an
appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients
enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active
compound into a sterile vehicle that contains a basic dispersion
medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated
above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of
sterile injectable solutions, methods of preparation are vacuum
drying and freeze-drying that yields a powder of the active
ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously
sterile-filtered solution thereof.
[0240] Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an
edible pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. They can be enclosed in
gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets. For the purpose of
oral therapeutic administration, the active compound can be
incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets,
troches, or capsules. Oral compositions can also be prepared using
a fluid carrier for use as a mouthwash, wherein the compound in the
fluid carrier is applied orally and swished and expectorated or
swallowed. Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or
adjuvant materials can be included as part of the composition. The
tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of
the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a
binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or
gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating
agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant
such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal
silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin;
or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or
orange flavoring.
[0241] For administration by inhalation, the compounds are
delivered in the form of an aerosol spray from pressured container
or dispenser, which contains a suitable propellant, e.g., a gas
such as carbon dioxide, or a nebulizer.
[0242] Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or
transdermal means. For transmucosal or transdermal administration,
penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in
the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art,
and include, for example, for transmucosal administration,
detergents, bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives. Transmucosal
administration can be accomplished through the use of nasal sprays
or suppositories. For transdermal administration, the active
compounds are formulated into ointments, salves, gels, or creams as
generally known in the art.
[0243] The active compounds can be prepared with pharmaceutically
acceptable carriers that will protect the compound against rapid
elimination from the body, such as a controlled release
formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery
systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as
ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid,
collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Methods for
preparation of such formulations will be apparent to those skilled
in the art. The materials can also be obtained commercially from
Alza Corporation and Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Liposomal
suspensions (including liposomes targeted to infected cells with
monoclonal antibodies to viral antigens) can also be used as
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be prepared
according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for
example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,811.
[0244] It is especially advantageous to formulate oral or
parenteral compositions in dosage unit form for ease of
administration and uniformity of dosage. Dosage unit form as used
herein refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary
dosages for the subject to be treated; each unit containing a
predetermined quantity of active compound calculated to produce the
desired therapeutic effect in association with the required
pharmaceutical carrier. The specification for the dosage unit forms
of the disclosure are dictated by and directly dependent on the
unique characteristics of the active compound and the particular
therapeutic effect to be achieved.
[0245] In therapeutic applications, the dosages of the EZH2
inhibitor compounds described herein, other therapeutic agents
described herein, compositions comprising a compound of the
disclosure and one or more other therapeutic agents, or the
pharmaceutical compositions used in accordance with the disclosure
vary depending on the agent, the age, weight, and clinical
condition of the recipient patient, and the experience and judgment
of the clinician or practitioner administering the therapy, among
other factors affecting the selected dosage. Generally, the dose
should be sufficient to result in slowing, and preferably
regressing, the growth of the tumors and also preferably causing
complete regression of the cancer. Dosages can range from about
0.01 mg/kg per day to about 5000 mg/kg per day. In preferred
aspects, dosages can range from about 1 mg/kg per day to about 1000
mg/kg per day. In an aspect, the dose will be in the range of about
0.1 mg/day to about 50 g/day; about 0.1 mg/day to about 25 g/day;
about 0.1 mg/day to about 10 g/day; about 0.1 mg to about 3 g/day;
or about 0.1 mg to about 1 g/day, in single, divided, or continuous
doses (which dose may be adjusted for the patient's weight in kg,
body surface area in m.sup.2, and age in years). An effective
amount of a pharmaceutical agent is that which provides an
objectively identifiable improvement as noted by the clinician or
other qualified observer. For example, regression of a tumor in a
patient may be measured with reference to the diameter of a tumor.
Decrease in the diameter of a tumor indicates regression.
Regression is also indicated by failure of tumors to reoccur after
treatment has stopped. As used herein, the term "dosage effective
manner" refers to amount of an active compound to produce the
desired biological effect in a subject or cell.
[0246] The pharmaceutical compositions can be included in a
container, pack, or dispenser together with instructions for
administration.
[0247] The composition of the present disclosure is capable of
further forming salts. The composition of the present disclosure is
capable of forming more than one salt per molecule, e.g., mono-,
di-, tri-. All of these forms are also contemplated within the
scope of the disclosure.
[0248] As used herein, "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refer to
derivatives of the compounds of the present disclosure wherein the
parent compound is modified by making acid or base salts thereof.
Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not
limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as
amines, alkali or organic salts of acidic residues such as
carboxylic acids, and the like. The pharmaceutically acceptable
salts include the conventional non-toxic salts or the quaternary
ammonium salts of the parent compound formed, for example, from
non-toxic inorganic or organic acids. For example, such
conventional non-toxic salts include, but are not limited to, those
derived from inorganic and organic acids selected from
2-acetoxybenzoic, 2-hydroxyethane sulfonic, acetic, ascorbic,
benzene sulfonic, benzoic, bicarbonic, carbonic, citric, edetic,
ethane disulfonic, 1,2-ethane sulfonic, fumaric, glucoheptonic,
gluconic, glutamic, glycolic, glycollyarsanilic, hexylresorcinic,
hydrabamic, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, hydroiodic, hydroxymaleic,
hydroxynaphthoic, isethionic, lactic, lactobionic, lauryl sulfonic,
maleic, malic, mandelic, methane sulfonic, napsylic, nitric,
oxalic, pamoic, pantothenic, phenylacetic, phosphoric,
polygalacturonic, propionic, salicyclic, stearic, subacetic,
succinic, sulfamic, sulfanilic, sulfuric, tannic, tartaric, toluene
sulfonic, and the commonly occurring amine acids, e.g., glycine,
alanine, phenylalanine, arginine, etc.
[0249] Other examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include
hexanoic acid, cyclopentane propionic acid, pyruvic acid, malonic
acid, 3-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoic acid, cinnamic acid,
4-chlorobenzenesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid,
4-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid,
4-methylbicyclo-[2.2.2]-oct-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid,
3-phenylpropionic acid, trimethylacetic acid, tertiary butylacetic
acid, muconic acid, and the like. The present disclosure also
encompasses salts formed when an acidic proton present in the
parent compound either is replaced by a metal ion, e.g., an alkali
metal ion, an alkaline earth ion, or an aluminum ion; or
coordinates with an organic base such as ethanolamine,
diethanolamine, triethanolamine, tromethamine, N-methylglucamine,
and the like.
[0250] It should be understood that all references to
pharmaceutically acceptable salts include solvent addition forms
(solvates), of the same salt.
[0251] The composition of the present disclosure may also be
prepared as esters, for example, pharmaceutically acceptable
esters. For example, a carboxylic acid function group in a compound
can be converted to its corresponding ester, e.g., a methyl, ethyl
or other ester. Also, an alcohol group in a compound can be
converted to its corresponding ester, e.g., acetate, propionate or
other ester.
[0252] The composition, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or
solvates thereof, are administered orally, nasally, transdermally,
pulmonary, inhalationally, buccally, sublingually,
intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intravenously,
rectally, intrapleurally, intrathecally and parenterally. In some
embodiments, the compound is administered orally. One skilled in
the art will recognize the advantages of certain routes of
administration.
[0253] The dosage regimen utilizing the compounds is selected in
accordance with a variety of factors including type, species, age,
weight, sex and medical condition of the patient; the severity of
the condition to be treated; the route of administration; the renal
and hepatic function of the patient; and the particular compound or
salt thereof employed. An ordinarily skilled physician or
veterinarian can readily determine and prescribe the effective
amount of the drug required to prevent, counter, or arrest the
progress of the condition.
[0254] Techniques for formulation and administration of the
disclosed compounds can be found in Remington: the Science and
Practice of Pharmacy, 19.sup.th edition, Mack Publishing Co.,
Easton, Pa. (1995). In an embodiment, the compounds described
herein, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are used
in pharmaceutical preparations in combination with a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Suitable
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include inert solid fillers or
diluents and sterile aqueous or organic solutions. The compounds
will be present in such pharmaceutical compositions in amounts
sufficient to provide the desired dosage amount in the range
described herein.
[0255] All percentages and ratios used herein, unless otherwise
indicated, are by weight. Other features and advantages of the
present disclosure are apparent from the different examples. The
provided examples illustrate different components and methodology
useful in practicing the present invention. The examples do not
limit the claimed invention. Based on the present disclosure the
skilled artisan can identify and employ other components and
methodology useful for practicing the present invention.
[0256] As used herein, a "subject in need thereof" is a subject
having a germinal center-derived lymphoma, or a subject having an
increased risk of developing such disorder relative to the
population at large. A subject in need thereof can have a
precancerous condition. A "subject" includes a mammal. The mammal
can be e.g., any mammal, e.g., a human, primate, bird, mouse, rat,
fowl, dog, cat, cow, horse, goat, camel, sheep or a pig.
Preferably, the mammal is a human.
[0257] The subject of the present disclosure includes any human
subject who has been diagnosed with, has symptoms of, or is at risk
of developing a germinal center-derived lymphoma. The subject of
the present disclosure includes any human subject expressing a
mutant EZH2 or WT EZH2 or has a mutation in the EZH2 gene or has a
wild-type EZH2 gene. For example, a mutant EZH2 comprises one or
more mutations, wherein the mutation is a substitution, a point
mutation, a nonsense mutation, a missense mutation, a deletion, or
an insertion or any other EZH2 mutation described herein.
[0258] The subject of the present disclosure also includes any
human subject who has been diagnosed with, has symptoms of, or is
at risk of developing PMBCL. The subject of the present disclosure
includes any human subject expressing a mutant EZH2 or WT EZH2 or
has a mutation in the EZH2 gene or has a wild-type EZH2 gene. For
example, a mutant EZH2 comprises one or more mutations, wherein the
mutation is a substitution, a point mutation, a nonsense mutation,
a missense mutation, a deletion, or an insertion or any other EZH2
mutation described herein.
[0259] A subject in need thereof may have refractory or resistant
cancer. "Refractory or resistant cancer" means cancer that does not
respond to treatment. The cancer may be resistant at the beginning
of treatment or it may become resistant during treatment. In some
embodiments, the subject in need thereof has cancer recurrence
following remission on most recent therapy. In some embodiments,
the subject in need thereof received and failed all known effective
therapies for cancer treatment. In some embodiments, the subject in
need thereof received at least one prior therapy. In certain
embodiments the prior therapy is monotherapy. In certain
embodiments the prior therapy is combination therapy.
[0260] In some embodiments, a subject in need thereof may have a
secondary cancer as a result of a previous therapy. "Secondary
cancer" means cancer that arises due to or as a result from
previous carcinogenic therapies, such as chemotherapy.
[0261] The subject may also exhibit resistance to EZH2 histone
methyltransferase inhibitors or any other therapeutic agent.
[0262] The disclosure also features a method of selecting a therapy
for a subject having a germinal center-derived lymphoma or having
Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL). The method
includes the steps of: detecting the presence or absence of one or
more EZH2 mutations described herein in a sample from the subject;
and selecting, based on the presence or absence of the one or more
EZH2 mutations, a therapy for treating the germinal center-derived
lymphoma or for treating the PMBCL. In some embodiments, the
therapy includes administering to the subject a therapeutically
effective amount of an EZH2 inhibitor described herein. In some
embodiments, the method further includes administrating to the
subject a therapeutically effective amount of a second therapeutic
agent. An EZH2 mutation or absence thereof can be detected using
any suitable method known in the art. The methods and uses
described herein may include steps of detecting the presence or
absence of one or more EZH2 mutations described herein in a sample
from a subject in need thereof prior to and/or after the
administration of a composition of the disclosure (e.g., a
composition comprising a compound of the present disclosure or
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, alone or in combination
with one or more second therapeutic agents) to the subject.
[0263] The present disclosure provides personalized medicine,
treatment and/or cancer management for a subject having or at risk
of having a germinal center-derived lymphoma, by genetic screening
of one or more EZH2 mutations described herein in the subject. For
example, the present disclosure provides methods for treating or
alleviating a symptom of a germinal center-derived lymphoma in a
subject in need thereof by determining responsiveness of the
subject to a therapy and when the subject is responsive to the
therapy, administering to the subject a composition of the
disclosure. Once the responsiveness of a subject is determined, a
therapeutically effective amount of a composition, for example, a
composition comprising a compound of the present disclosure or
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, alone or in combination
with one or more second therapeutic agents, can be administered.
The therapeutically effective amount of a composition can be
determined by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0264] As used herein, the term "responsiveness" is interchangeable
with terms "responsive", "sensitive", and "sensitivity", and it is
meant that a subject is showing therapeutic responses when
administered a composition of the disclosure, e.g., tumor cells or
tumor tissues of the subject undergo apoptosis and/or necrosis,
and/or display reduced growing, dividing, or proliferation. This
term is also meant that a subject will or has a higher probability,
relative to the population at large, of showing therapeutic
responses when administered a composition of the disclosure, e.g.,
tumor cells or tumor tissues of the subject undergo apoptosis
and/or necrosis, and/or display reduced growing, dividing, or
proliferation.
[0265] By "sample" it means any biological sample derived from the
subject, includes but is not limited to, cells, tissues samples,
body fluids (including, but not limited to, mucus, blood, plasma,
serum, urine, saliva, and semen), tumor cells, and tumor tissues.
Preferably, the sample is selected from bone marrow, peripheral
blood cells, blood, plasma and serum. Samples can be provided by
the subject under treatment or testing. Alternatively samples can
be obtained by the physician according to routine practice in the
art.
[0266] As used herein, "candidate compound" refers to a compound of
the present disclosure, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or
solvate thereof, that has been or will be tested in one or more in
vitro or in vivo biological assays, in order to determine if that
compound is likely to elicit a desired biological or medical
response in a cell, tissue, system, animal or human that is being
sought by a researcher or clinician. A candidate compound is a
compound of the present disclosure, or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The biological or medical
response can be the treatment of cancer. The biological or medical
response can be treatment or prevention of a cell proliferative
disorder. In vitro or in vivo biological assays can include, but
are not limited to, enzymatic activity assays, electrophoretic
mobility shift assays, reporter gene assays, in vitro cell
viability assays, and the assays described herein.
[0267] As used herein, "treating" or "treat" describes the
management and care of a patient for the purpose of combating a
disease, condition, or disorder and includes the administration of
a compound of the present disclosure, or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt or solvate thereof, to alleviate the symptoms or
complications of a disease, condition or disorder, or to eliminate
the disease, condition or disorder.
[0268] A composition of the present disclosure, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, can also be
used to prevent a disease, condition or disorder. As used herein,
"preventing" or "prevent" describes reducing or eliminating the
onset of the symptoms or complications of the disease, condition or
disorder.
[0269] As used herein, the term "alleviate" is meant to describe a
process by which the severity of a sign or symptom of a disorder is
decreased. Importantly, a sign or symptom can be alleviated without
being eliminated. In a preferred embodiment, the administration of
pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure leads to the
elimination of a sign or symptom, however, elimination is not
required. Effective dosages are expected to decrease the severity
of a sign or symptom. For instance, a sign or symptom of a disorder
such as cancer, which can occur in multiple locations, is
alleviated if the severity of the cancer is decreased within at
least one of multiple locations.
[0270] As used herein, the term "severity" is meant to describe the
potential of cancer to transform from a precancerous, or benign,
state into a malignant state. Alternatively, or in addition,
severity is meant to describe a cancer stage, for example,
according to the TNM system (accepted by the International Union
Against Cancer (UICC) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer
(AJCC)) or by other art-recognized methods. Cancer stage refers to
the extent or severity of the cancer, based on factors such as the
location of the primary tumor, tumor size, number of tumors, and
lymph node involvement (spread of cancer into lymph nodes).
Alternatively, or in addition, severity is meant to describe the
tumor grade by art-recognized methods (see, National Cancer
Institute, www.cancer.gov). Tumor grade is a system used to
classify cancer cells in terms of how abnormal they look under a
microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread.
Many factors are considered when determining tumor grade, including
the structure and growth pattern of the cells. The specific factors
used to determine tumor grade vary with each type of cancer.
Severity also describes a histologic grade, also called
differentiation, which refers to how much the tumor cells resemble
normal cells of the same tissue type (see, National Cancer
Institute, www.cancer.gov). Furthermore, severity describes a
nuclear grade, which refers to the size and shape of the nucleus in
tumor cells and the percentage of tumor cells that are dividing
(see, National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov).
[0271] In another aspect of the disclosure, severity describes the
degree to which a tumor has secreted growth factors, degraded the
extracellular matrix, become vascularized, lost adhesion to
juxtaposed tissues, or metastasized. Moreover, severity describes
the number of locations to which a primary tumor has metastasized.
Finally, severity includes the difficulty of treating tumors of
varying types and locations. For example, inoperable tumors, those
cancers which have greater access to multiple body systems
(hematological and immunological tumors), and those which are the
most resistant to traditional treatments are considered most
severe. In these situations, prolonging the life expectancy of the
subject and/or reducing pain, decreasing the proportion of
cancerous cells or restricting cells to one system, and improving
cancer stage/tumor grade/histological grade/nuclear grade are
considered alleviating a sign or symptom of the cancer.
[0272] As used herein the term "symptom" is defined as an
indication of disease, illness, injury, or that something is not
right in the body. Symptoms are felt or noticed by the individual
experiencing the symptom, but may not easily be noticed by others.
Others are defined as non-health-care professionals.
[0273] As used herein the term "sign" is also defined as an
indication that something is not right in the body. But signs are
defined as things that can be seen by a doctor, nurse, or other
health care professional.
[0274] Cancer is a group of diseases that may cause almost any sign
or symptom. The signs and symptoms will depend on where the cancer
is, the size of the cancer, and how much it affects the nearby
organs or structures. If a cancer spreads (metastasizes), then
symptoms may appear in different parts of the body.
[0275] Treating cancer can result in a reduction in size of a
tumor. A reduction in size of a tumor may also be referred to as
"tumor regression". Preferably, after treatment, tumor size is
reduced by 5% or greater relative to its size prior to treatment;
more preferably, tumor size is reduced by 10% or greater; more
preferably, reduced by 20% or greater; more preferably, reduced by
30% or greater; more preferably, reduced by 40% or greater; even
more preferably, reduced by 50% or greater; and most preferably,
reduced by greater than 75% or greater. Size of a tumor may be
measured by any reproducible means of measurement. The size of a
tumor may be measured as a diameter of the tumor.
[0276] Treating cancer can result in a reduction in tumor volume.
Preferably, after treatment, tumor volume is reduced by 5% or
greater relative to its size prior to treatment; more preferably,
tumor volume is reduced by 10% or greater; more preferably, reduced
by 20% or greater; more preferably, reduced by 30% or greater; more
preferably, reduced by 40% or greater; even more preferably,
reduced by 50% or greater; and most preferably, reduced by greater
than 75% or greater. Tumor volume may be measured by any
reproducible means of measurement.
[0277] Treating cancer results in a decrease in number of tumors.
Preferably, after treatment, tumor number is reduced by 5% or
greater relative to number prior to treatment; more preferably,
tumor number is reduced by 10% or greater; more preferably, reduced
by 20% or greater; more preferably, reduced by 30% or greater; more
preferably, reduced by 40% or greater; even more preferably,
reduced by 50% or greater; and most preferably, reduced by greater
than 75%. Number of tumors may be measured by any reproducible
means of measurement. The number of tumors may be measured by
counting tumors visible to the naked eye or at a specified
magnification. Preferably, the specified magnification is 2.times.,
3.times., 4.times., 5.times., 10.times., or 50.times..
[0278] Treating cancer can result in a decrease in number of
metastatic lesions in other tissues or organs distant from the
primary tumor site. Preferably, after treatment, the number of
metastatic lesions is reduced by 5% or greater relative to number
prior to treatment; more preferably, the number of metastatic
lesions is reduced by 10% or greater; more preferably, reduced by
20% or greater; more preferably, reduced by 30% or greater; more
preferably, reduced by 40% or greater; even more preferably,
reduced by 50% or greater; and most preferably, reduced by greater
than 75%. The number of metastatic lesions may be measured by any
reproducible means of measurement. The number of metastatic lesions
may be measured by counting metastatic lesions visible to the naked
eye or at a specified magnification. Preferably, the specified
magnification is 2.times., 3.times., 4.times., 5.times., 10.times.,
or 50.times..
[0279] Treating cancer can result in an increase in average
survival time of a population of treated subjects in comparison to
a population receiving carrier alone. Preferably, the average
survival time is increased by more than 30 days; more preferably,
by more than 60 days; more preferably, by more than 90 days; and
most preferably, by more than 120 days. An increase in average
survival time of a population may be measured by any reproducible
means. An increase in average survival time of a population may be
measured, for example, by calculating for a population the average
length of survival following initiation of treatment with an active
compound. An increase in average survival time of a population may
also be measured, for example, by calculating for a population the
average length of survival following completion of a first round of
treatment with an active compound.
[0280] Treating cancer can result in an increase in average
survival time of a population of treated subjects in comparison to
a population of untreated subjects. Preferably, the average
survival time is increased by more than 30 days; more preferably,
by more than 60 days; more preferably, by more than 90 days; and
most preferably, by more than 120 days. An increase in average
survival time of a population may be measured by any reproducible
means. An increase in average survival time of a population may be
measured, for example, by calculating for a population the average
length of survival following initiation of treatment with an active
compound. An increase in average survival time of a population may
also be measured, for example, by calculating for a population the
average length of survival following completion of a first round of
treatment with an active compound.
[0281] Treating cancer can result in increase in average survival
time of a population of treated subjects in comparison to a
population receiving monotherapy with a drug that is not a compound
of the present disclosure, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,
solvate, analog or derivative thereof. Preferably, the average
survival time is increased by more than 30 days; more preferably,
by more than 60 days; more preferably, by more than 90 days; and
most preferably, by more than 120 days. An increase in average
survival time of a population may be measured by any reproducible
means. An increase in average survival time of a population may be
measured, for example, by calculating for a population the average
length of survival following initiation of treatment with an active
compound. An increase in average survival time of a population may
also be measured, for example, by calculating for a population the
average length of survival following completion of a first round of
treatment with an active compound.
[0282] Treating cancer can result in a decrease in the mortality
rate of a population of treated subjects in comparison to a
population receiving carrier alone. Treating cancer can result in a
decrease in the mortality rate of a population of treated subjects
in comparison to an untreated population. Treating cancer can
result in a decrease in the mortality rate of a population of
treated subjects in comparison to a population receiving
monotherapy with a drug that is not a compound of the present
disclosure, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, analog
or derivative thereof. Preferably, the mortality rate is decreased
by more than 2%; more preferably, by more than 5%; more preferably,
by more than 10%; and most preferably, by more than 25%. A decrease
in the mortality rate of a population of treated subjects may be
measured by any reproducible means. A decrease in the mortality
rate of a population may be measured, for example, by calculating
for a population the average number of disease-related deaths per
unit time following initiation of treatment with an active
compound. A decrease in the mortality rate of a population may also
be measured, for example, by calculating for a population the
average number of disease-related deaths per unit time following
completion of a first round of treatment with an active
compound.
[0283] Treating cancer can result in a decrease in tumor growth
rate. Preferably, after treatment, tumor growth rate is reduced by
at least 5% relative to number prior to treatment; more preferably,
tumor growth rate is reduced by at least 10%; more preferably,
reduced by at least 20%; more preferably, reduced by at least 30%;
more preferably, reduced by at least 40%; more preferably, reduced
by at least 50%; even more preferably, reduced by at least 50%; and
most preferably, reduced by at least 75%. Tumor growth rate may be
measured by any reproducible means of measurement. Tumor growth
rate can be measured according to a change in tumor diameter per
unit time.
[0284] Treating cancer can result in a decrease in tumor regrowth.
Preferably, after treatment, tumor regrowth is less than 5%; more
preferably, tumor regrowth is less than 10%; more preferably, less
than 20%; more preferably, less than 30%; more preferably, less
than 40%; more preferably, less than 50%; even more preferably,
less than 50%; and most preferably, less than 75%. Tumor regrowth
may be measured by any reproducible means of measurement. Tumor
regrowth is measured, for example, by measuring an increase in the
diameter of a tumor after a prior tumor shrinkage that followed
treatment. A decrease in tumor regrowth is indicated by failure of
tumors to reoccur after treatment has stopped.
[0285] Treating or preventing a cell proliferative disorder can
result in a reduction in the rate of cellular proliferation.
Preferably, after treatment, the rate of cellular proliferation is
reduced by at least 5%; more preferably, by at least 10%; more
preferably, by at least 20%; more preferably, by at least 30%; more
preferably, by at least 40%; more preferably, by at least 50%; even
more preferably, by at least 50%; and most preferably, by at least
75%. The rate of cellular proliferation may be measured by any
reproducible means of measurement. The rate of cellular
proliferation is measured, for example, by measuring the number of
dividing cells in a tissue sample per unit time.
[0286] Treating or preventing a cell proliferative disorder can
result in a reduction in the proportion of proliferating cells.
Preferably, after treatment, the proportion of proliferating cells
is reduced by at least 5%; more preferably, by at least 10%; more
preferably, by at least 20%; more preferably, by at least 30%; more
preferably, by at least 40%; more preferably, by at least 50%; even
more preferably, by at least 50%; and most preferably, by at least
75%. The proportion of proliferating cells may be measured by any
reproducible means of measurement. Preferably, the proportion of
proliferating cells is measured, for example, by quantifying the
number of dividing cells relative to the number of nondividing
cells in a tissue sample. The proportion of proliferating cells can
be equivalent to the mitotic index.
[0287] Treating or preventing a cell proliferative disorder can
result in a decrease in size of an area or zone of cellular
proliferation. Preferably, after treatment, size of an area or zone
of cellular proliferation is reduced by at least 5% relative to its
size prior to treatment; more preferably, reduced by at least 10%;
more preferably, reduced by at least 20%; more preferably, reduced
by at least 30%; more preferably, reduced by at least 40%; more
preferably, reduced by at least 50%; even more preferably, reduced
by at least 50%; and most preferably, reduced by at least 75%. Size
of an area or zone of cellular proliferation may be measured by any
reproducible means of measurement. The size of an area or zone of
cellular proliferation may be measured as a diameter or width of an
area or zone of cellular proliferation.
[0288] Treating or preventing a cell proliferative disorder can
result in a decrease in the number or proportion of cells having an
abnormal appearance or morphology. Preferably, after treatment, the
number of cells having an abnormal morphology is reduced by at
least 5% relative to its size prior to treatment; more preferably,
reduced by at least 10%; more preferably, reduced by at least 20%;
more preferably, reduced by at least 30%; more preferably, reduced
by at least 40%; more preferably, reduced by at least 50%; even
more preferably, reduced by at least 50%; and most preferably,
reduced by at least 75%. An abnormal cellular appearance or
morphology may be measured by any reproducible means of
measurement. An abnormal cellular morphology can be measured by
microscopy, e.g., using an inverted tissue culture microscope. An
abnormal cellular morphology can take the form of nuclear
pleiomorphism.
[0289] As used herein, the term "selectively" means tending to
occur at a higher frequency in one population than in another
population. The compared populations can be cell populations.
Preferably, a compound of the present disclosure, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, acts
selectively on a cancer or precancerous cell but not on a normal
cell. Preferably, a compound of the present disclosure, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, acts
selectively to modulate one molecular target (e.g., a target
protein methyltransferase) but does not significantly modulate
another molecular target (e.g., a non-target protein
methyltransferase). The disclosure also provides a method for
selectively inhibiting the activity of an enzyme, such as a protein
methyltransferase. Preferably, an event occurs selectively in
population A relative to population B if it occurs greater than two
times more frequently in population A as compared to population B.
An event occurs selectively if it occurs greater than five times
more frequently in population A. An event occurs selectively if it
occurs greater than ten times more frequently in population A; more
preferably, greater than fifty times; even more preferably, greater
than 100 times; and most preferably, greater than 1000 times more
frequently in population A as compared to population B. For
example, cell death would be said to occur selectively in cancer
cells if it occurred greater than twice as frequently in cancer
cells as compared to normal cells.
[0290] A composition of the present disclosure, e.g., a composition
comprising any compound of the present disclosure or
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and one or more other
therapeutic agents, such as prednisone, can modulate the activity
of a molecular target (e.g., a target protein methyltransferase).
Modulating refers to stimulating or inhibiting an activity of a
molecular target. Preferably, a compound of the present disclosure,
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, modulates
the activity of a molecular target if it stimulates or inhibits the
activity of the molecular target by at least 2-fold relative to the
activity of the molecular target under the same conditions but
lacking only the presence of said compound. More preferably, a
compound of the present disclosure, or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt or solvate thereof, modulates the activity of a
molecular target if it stimulates or inhibits the activity of the
molecular target by at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, at least
20-fold, at least 50-fold, at least 100-fold relative to the
activity of the molecular target under the same conditions but
lacking only the presence of said compound. The activity of a
molecular target may be measured by any reproducible means. The
activity of a molecular target may be measured in vitro or in vivo.
For example, the activity of a molecular target may be measured in
vitro by an enzymatic activity assay or a DNA binding assay, or the
activity of a molecular target may be measured in vivo by assaying
for expression of a reporter gene.
[0291] A composition of the present disclosure does not
significantly modulate the activity of a molecular target if the
addition of the compound does not stimulate or inhibit the activity
of the molecular target by greater than 10% relative to the
activity of the molecular target under the same conditions but
lacking only the presence of said compound.
[0292] As used herein, the term "isozyme selective" means
preferential inhibition or stimulation of a first isoform of an
enzyme in comparison to a second isoform of an enzyme (e.g.,
preferential inhibition or stimulation of a protein
methyltransferase isozyme alpha in comparison to a protein
methyltransferase isozyme beta). Preferably, a compound of the
present disclosure, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or
solvate thereof, demonstrates a minimum of a fourfold differential,
preferably a tenfold differential, more preferably a fifty fold
differential, in the dosage required to achieve a biological
effect. Preferably, a compound of the present disclosure, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, demonstrates
this differential across the range of inhibition, and the
differential is exemplified at the IC.sub.50, i.e., a 50%
inhibition, for a molecular target of interest.
[0293] Administering a composition of the present disclosure to a
cell or a subject in need thereof can result in modulation (i.e.,
stimulation or inhibition) of an activity of a protein
methyltransferase of interest.
[0294] Administering a compound of the present disclosure, e.g., a
composition comprising any compound of the present disclosure or
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and one or more other
therapeutic agents, such as prednisone, to a cell or a subject in
need thereof results in modulation (i.e., stimulation or
inhibition) of an activity of an intracellular target (e.g.,
substrate). Several intracellular targets can be modulated with the
compounds of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to,
protein methyltrasferase.
[0295] Activating refers to placing a composition of matter (e.g.,
protein or nucleic acid) in a state suitable for carrying out a
desired biological function. A composition of matter capable of
being activated also has an unactivated state. An activated
composition of matter may have an inhibitory or stimulatory
biological function, or both.
[0296] Elevation refers to an increase in a desired biological
activity of a composition of matter (e.g., a protein or a nucleic
acid). Elevation may occur through an increase in concentration of
a composition of matter.
[0297] Treating cancer or a cell proliferative disorder can result
in cell death, and preferably, cell death results in a decrease of
at least 10% in number of cells in a population. More preferably,
cell death means a decrease of at least 20%; more preferably, a
decrease of at least 30%; more preferably, a decrease of at least
40%; more preferably, a decrease of at least 50%; most preferably,
a decrease of at least 75%. Number of cells in a population may be
measured by any reproducible means. A number of cells in a
population can be measured by fluorescence activated cell sorting
(FACS), immunofluorescence microscopy and light microscopy. Methods
of measuring cell death are as shown in Li et al., Proc Natl Acad
Sci US A. 100(5): 2674-8, 2003. In an aspect, cell death occurs by
apoptosis.
[0298] Preferably, an effective amount of a composition of the
present disclosure, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or
solvate thereof, is not significantly cytotoxic to normal cells. A
therapeutically effective amount of a compound is not significantly
cytotoxic to normal cells if administration of the compound in a
therapeutically effective amount does not induce cell death in
greater than 10% of normal cells. A therapeutically effective
amount of a compound does not significantly affect the viability of
normal cells if administration of the compound in a therapeutically
effective amount does not induce cell death in greater than 10% of
normal cells. In an aspect, cell death occurs by apoptosis.
[0299] Contacting a cell with a composition of the present
disclosure, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate
thereof, can induce or activate cell death selectively in cancer
cells. Contacting a cell with a composition of the present
disclosure, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate
thereof, can induce cell death selectively in one or more cells
affected by a cell proliferative disorder. Preferably,
administering to a subject in need thereof a composition of the
present disclosure, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or
solvate thereof, induces cell death selectively in one or more
cells affected by a cell proliferative disorder.
[0300] The present disclosure relates to a method of treating or
preventing cancer by administering a composition of the present
disclosure, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate
thereof, to a subject in need thereof, where administration of the
composition of the present disclosure, or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt or solvate thereof, results in one or more of the
following: prevention of cancer cell proliferation by accumulation
of cells in one or more phases of the cell cycle (e.g. G1, G1/S,
G2/M), or induction of cell senescence, or promotion of tumor cell
differentiation; promotion of cell death in cancer cells via
cytotoxicity, necrosis or apoptosis, without a significant amount
of cell death in normal cells, antitumor activity in animals with a
therapeutic index of at least 2. As used herein, "therapeutic
index" is the maximum tolerated dose divided by the efficacious
dose.
[0301] One skilled in the art may refer to general reference texts
for detailed descriptions of known techniques discussed herein or
equivalent techniques. These texts include Ausubel et al., Current
Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (2005);
Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual (3.sup.rd
edition), Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.
(2000); Coligan et al., Current Protocols in Immunology, John Wiley
& Sons, N.Y.; Enna et al., Current Protocols in Pharmacology,
John Wiley & Sons, N.Y.; Fingl et al., The Pharmacological
Basis of Therapeutics (1975), Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 18.sup.th edition (1990). These
texts can, of course, also be referred to in making or using an
aspect of the disclosure.
Example
Combination Study of EPZ-6438 and Other Therapeutic Agents.
[0302] The EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat (EPZ-6438) is currently
being evaluated in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of
non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL). EZH2 inhibitors have shown
anti-proliferative effects in multiple pre-clinical models of NHL,
and phase I studies of tazemetostat have reported objective
clinical responses in patients with B-cell lymphomas. In
preclinical models, lymphomas bearing gain-of-function mutations in
EZH2 were consistently more sensitive to EZH2 inhibition than were
lymphomas with wild type (wt) EZH2. However, recent phase I data
have demonstrated that objective responses occur in lymphoma
patients with both wt and mutant EZH2. This finding is consistent
with reports in the literature that demonstrate a role for EZH2 in
maintaining the germinal center phenotype of normal B-cells, as
well as regulating the differentiation of both wt and mutant EZH2
B-cell lymphoma cell lines. To understand better the relationship
between B-cell maturation and EZH2, we evaluated apoptosis and
differentiation in wt and mutant EZH2 DLBCL cell lines. We
discovered that cells with mutant EZH2 undergo apoptosis following
tazemetostat treatment. In contrast, cell lines with wild-type EZH2
exhibit decreased growth rates and induce PRDM1, a key
transcriptional repressor involved in plasma cell differentiation.
To explore further these phenomena, we evaluated apoptosis in cells
co-treated with tazemetostat and inhibitors or activators of
primary B-cell signaling pathways. We discovered that combinations
of tazemetostat with inhibitors of B-cell activation, like
ibrutinib or corticosteroids, demonstrate synergy in both wt and
mutant EZH2 cell lines. Moreover, it was determined that when
combined with ibrutinib, tazemetostat induces apoptosis in wt cell
lines. It was also discovered that addition of recombinant CD40L, a
B-cell co-stimulatory molecule can prevent apoptosis and drive
lymphoma cells more towards differentiation. These findings
demonstrate that EZH2 inhibition drives lymphoma cells towards cell
fate decisions and suggests that an important component of
tazemetostat's mechanism of action is to force lymphoma cells to
proceed through the normal processes of apoptosis and terminal
differentiation.
[0303] EZH2 inhibitors are emerging as valuable therapeutic agents
for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The mechanism by which
EZH2 inhibitors inhibit lymphoma cell proliferation is an area of
active research. EZH2 is known to be a regulator of B-cell
maturation and germinal center formation. EZH2 inhibition induces
differentiation markers in cell lines derived from multiple
lymphoma sub-types. Some of the results presented here indicate
that EZH2's role in B-cell maturation contributes to the
anti-lymphoma activity of tazemetostat.
[0304] FIG. 1. A) 14 evaluable NHL patients treated (V. Ribrag ASH
2015): 13 WT+1 mutant by Cobas.RTM. EZH2 Mutation Test (in
development, Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.) * Cheson Criteria. B)
EZH2 mutant cell lines are more sensitive to TAZ in vitro. C)
Sensitivity of WT DLBCL cell lines to TAZ does not depend on cell
of origin. Cell of origin of cell lines determined by RNAseq
analysis (Scott et al. Blood 2014). D) OCI-LY19 and SU-DHL-5 cell
line xenograft models show tumor growth inhibition in response to
TAZ treatment.
[0305] FIG. 2. Varying degrees of anti-proliferative responses can
be seen in mutant vs. wt cell lines. A) Cells were treated with TAZ
and proliferation was measured by cell counts at the indicated time
points. The viable cell count (y axis) in each panel is presented
on a logarithmic scale. B) Cells were treated for 10 days with 1
.mu.M TAZ or DMSO. Green stacks represent percentages of cells in
early stage apoptosis.
[0306] FIG. 3. EZH2 inhibition induces a gene set that is heavily
enriched for plasma cell and memory cell genes in DLBCL cell lines.
RNAseq data from KARPAS-422 (EZH2 mutant GCB), SU-DHL-6 (EZH2
mutant GCB) Farage (EZH2 wt GCB), SU-DHL-5 (EZH2 wt GCB), TMD8
(EZH2 wt ABC) and Toledo (EZH2 wt ABC) treated with 1 .mu.M TAZ for
4 days was analyzed using GSEA (Broad Institute) for the presence
of plasma and memory cell gene sets.
[0307] FIG. 4. Cells were treated for 7 days with 1 .mu.M TAZ or
DMSO. All GCB lines show an increase of PRDM1 (BLIMP1) expression
by qPCR (A) or western blot (B), while the ABC cell line, TMD8,
shows a slight decrease.
[0308] As shown in Table 1, combination studies revealed a
relationship between B-cell activation and EZH2 inhibition. Synergy
was assessed by IC50 shifts or Calcusyn.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Mutant EZH2 GCB WT EZH2 GCB WSU- KARPAS-
{circumflex over ( )}SU- SU- OCI- OCI- DLCL2 422 DHL-10 DHL-6 LY19
HT .sup.#Farage LY7 SUDHL5 Drug Name 100 nM/ 100 nM/ 50 nM/ 100 nM/
1 .mu.M/ 500 nM/ 1 .mu.M/ 1.5 .mu.M/ 3.8 .mu.M/ IC.sub.50 Taz
7d/14d 86 nM 18 nM 58 nM 47 nM 6.2 .mu.M 140 nM 99 nM 1.4 .mu.M 2.1
.mu.M GRAG Prednisolone A A A A A C A A A Dexamethasone A A A A A C
A A A B-cell Everolimus A B A A C A A A A Receptor Trametinib A A A
A C C A A A Pathway MK-2206 A A A A A A A A A Ibrutinib A A A A C A
A A A Idelalisib A A A A C A A A A Tamatinib A A A A C A A A A
B-cell CD40L D D D D C D C D D Activators LPS D C C C C C C D D
BAFF D C C D C D C C D APRIL D C C D C C C C D Anti-IgM/IgG D D C A
C C C C C WT EZH2 ABC OCI- Toledo TMD8 LY3 SUDHL2 Drug Name >10
.mu.M/ 5.5 .mu.M/ 5.1 .mu.M/ 1.3 .mu.M/ IC.sub.50 Taz 7d/14d 7.6
.mu.M 2.6 .mu.M 820 nM 230 nM GRAG Prednisolone C A A A
Dexamethasone C A A A B-cell Everolimus C A A A Receptor Trametinib
C A A C Pathway MK-2206 C A A C Ibrutinib C A B B Idelalisib C A A
C Tamatinib C A A A B-cell CD40L A A C D Activators LPS A D C C
BAFF C D C C APRIL C D C E Anti-IgM/IgG C A C C Synergy or
Enhancement Additivity* No Effect* Antagonistic Not Tested A B C D
E *Additivity = when other agent has a single agent effect but
causes no enhancement of 6438 effect No Effect = when other agent
has no single agent effect and causes no enhancement of 6438 effect
{circumflex over ( )}Tested in 4-day cotreatment model .sup.#Tested
in a 10 or 11 day assay with 7 days pretreatment 3 days or 4 days
cotreatment
[0309] FIG. 5. Synergy is seen with TAZ when combined with
ibrutinib or tamatinib in SU-DHL-5 (EZH2 wt), KARPAS-422 (EZH2
mutant) and TMD8 (ABC) cell lines. CD40L combination with TAZ shows
antagonism in GCB lines but slight synergy in TMD8
[0310] FIG. 6. A) Cells were treated for 7 days with single agents
or in combination. In the GCB cell lines, a significant increase of
apoptosis is seen with the combination of TAZ and ibrutinib
compared to the single agents. This effect is not seen in the ABC
cell line, TMD8. B) Cells were treated for 10 days with single
agents (100 ng/mL CD40L) or in combination. A significant increase
of apoptosis is seen with single agent TAZ compared to DMSO and a
significant decrease of apoptosis is seen with the combination of
TAZ and CD40L compared to TAZ single agent treatment. C) CD40L does
not affect TAZ inhibition of H3K27 trimethylation in the
KARPAS-422, a mutant EZH2 cell line.
[0311] FIG. 7. EZH2 represses CD40L-induced PRDM1 expression A)
14-day co-treatment of SU-DHL-5 (wt EZH2) with TAZ and CD40L leads
to up-regulation of PRDM1 B) 4-day treatment in SU-DHL-5 cells does
not affect I.kappa.B.alpha. degradation in response to CD40L (500
ng/mL).
[0312] The data presented here indicate that treatment of B-cell
lymphoma cell lines with the EZH2 inhibitor, tazemetostat induces
cell fate decisions; that B-cell maturation events are observed in
both WT and mutant EZH2 NHL cell lines in response to tazemetostat;
that EZH2 inhibition creates a dependency on B-cell activation
signals; and that Tazemetostat inhibition of EZH2 induces anti
proliferative effects, including B cell differentiation programs,
in DLBCL cell lines irrespective of EZH2 mutational status and cell
of origin.
[0313] The observation of synergistic effects of tazemetostat with
other agents, including, for example, second therapeutic agents for
the treatment of various cancers indicate that combination
treatments with tazemetostat and such synergistic agents are useful
treatment modalities for various cancers, including, e.g., cancers
that are not sensitive to single-agent treatment modalities.
[0314] All publications and patent documents cited herein are
incorporated herein by reference as if each such publication or
document was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated herein by reference. Citation of publications and
patent documents is not intended as an admission that any is
pertinent prior art, nor does it constitute any admission as to the
contents or date of the same. The invention having now been
described by way of written description, those of skill in the art
will recognize that the invention can be practiced in a variety of
embodiments and that the foregoing description and examples below
are for purposes of illustration and not limitation of the claims
that follow.
[0315] The invention can be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered
in all respects illustrative rather than limiting on the invention
described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all
changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *
References