Journal of Medicinal Chemistry: Discovery of KT-474─a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable IRAK4 Degrader for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry: Discovery of KT-474─a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable IRAK4 Degrader for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases

Xiaozhang Zheng, Nan Ji, Veronica Campbell, Anthony Slavin, Xiao Zhu, Dapeng Chen, Haojing Rong, Brad Enerson, Michele Mayo, Kirti Sharma, Chris M. Browne, Christine R. Klaus, Haoran Li, Ginny Massa, Alice A. McDonald, Yatao Shi, Mike Sintchak, Stephanie Skouras, Dirk M. Walther, Karen Yuan, Yi Zhang, Joe Kelleher, Guang Liu, Xinbo Luo, Nello Mainolfi, Matthew M. Weiss

Interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is an essential mediator of the IL-1R and TLR signaling pathways, both of which have been implicated in multiple autoimmune conditions. Hence, blocking the activity of IRAK4 represents an attractive approach for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The activity of this serine/threonine kinase is dependent on its kinase and scaffolding activities; thus, degradation represents a potentially superior approach to inhibition. Herein, we detail the exploration of structure–activity relationships that ultimately led to the identification of KT-474, a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable heterobifunctional IRAK4 degrader. This represents the first heterobifunctional degrader evaluated in a nononcology indication and dosed to healthy human volunteers. This molecule successfully completed phase I studies in healthy adult volunteers and patients with atopic dermatitis or hidradenitis suppurativa. Phase II clinical trials in both of these indications have been initiated.