Potent and Selective Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) Heterobifunctional Small-molecule Degraders.

Previously, we reported a first-in-class von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-recruiting mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) degrader, MS432. To date, only two MEK1/2 degrader papers have been published and very limited structure-activity relationships (SAR) have been reported. Here, we describe our extensive SAR studies exploring both von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) and cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase ligands and a variety of linkers, which resulted in two novel, improved VHL-recruiting MEK1/2 degraders, 24 (MS928) and 27 (MS934), and the first CRBN-recruiting MEK1/2 degrader 50 (MS910). These compounds potently and selectively degraded MEK1/2 by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system, inhibited downstream signaling, and suppressed cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, concurrent inhibition of BRAF or PI3K significantly potentiated the antitumor activity of degrader 27, suggesting that the combination of MEK1/2 degradation with BRAF or PI3K inhibition may provide potential therapeutic benefits. Finally, besides being more potent, degrader 27 displayed improved plasma exposure levels in mice, representing the best MEK1/2 degrader to date for in vivo studies.

Discovery of a First-in-Class Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 1/2 Degrader.

MEK1 and MEK2 (also known as MAP2K1 and MAP2K2) are the "gatekeepers" of the ERK signaling output with redundant roles in controlling ERK activity. Numerous inhibitors targeting MEK1/2 have been developed including three FDA-approved drugs. However, acquired resistance to MEK1/2 inhibitors has been observed in patients, and new therapeutic strategies are needed to overcome the resistance. Here, we report a first-in-class degrader of MEK1/2, MS432 (23), which potently and selectively degraded MEK1 and MEK2 in a VHL E3 ligase- and proteasome-dependent manner and suppressed ERK phosphorylation in cells. It inhibited colorectal cancer and melanoma cell proliferation much more effectively than its negative control MS432N (24), and its effect was phenocopied by MEK1/2 knockdown. Compound 23 was highly selective for MEK1/2 in global proteomic profiling studies. It was also bioavailable in mice and can be used for in vivo efficacy studies. We provide two well-characterized chemical tools to the biomedical community.

Private troubles to public issue: empowering communities to reduce alcohol-related harm in Sabah, Malaysia.

Summary: Alcohol is the number three contributor to the burden of disease worldwide so must remain a priority health promotion issue internationally. Malaysia is a Muslim country and alcohol-related harm was not seen as a priority until recently, because it only affects a minority of the population. Sabah has more than 30 different ethnic groups, and alcohol has a traditional role in the cultural practices of many of these groups. In 2009, the Intervention Group for Alcohol Misuse (IGAM) was formed, under the umbrella of Mercy Malaysia by a group of healthcare workers, academics, members of the Clergy and people who were previously alcohol-dependent concerned about the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption. IGAM in collaboration with other bodies have organized public seminars, visited villages and schools, encouraged the formation of a support group and trained healthcare professionals in health promotion intervention. The focus later changed to empowering communities to find solutions to alcohol-related harm in their community in a way which is sensitive to their culture. A standard tool-kit was developed using WHO materials as a guide. Village committees were formed and adapted the toolkit according to their needs. This strategy has been shown to be effective, in that 90% of the 20 committees formed are actively and successfully involved in health promotion to reduce alcohol-related harm in their communities.

Patient-specific academic detailing for smoking cessation: feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and to determine the feasibility of a patient-specific academic detailing (PAD) smoking cessation (SC) program in a primary care setting. DESIGN: Descriptive cohort feasibility study. SETTING: Hamilton, Ont. PARTICIPANTS: Pharmacists, physicians, nurse practitioners, and their patients. INTERVENTIONS: Integrated pharmacists received basic academic detailing training and education on SC and then delivered PAD to prescribers using structured verbal education and written materials. Data were collected using structured forms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Five main feasibility criteria were generated based on Canadian academic detailing programs: PAD coordinator time to train pharmacists less than 40 hours; median time of SC education per pharmacist less than 20 hours; median time per PAD session less than 60 minutes for initial visit; percentage of prescribers receiving PAD within 3 months greater than 50%; and number of new SC referrals to pharmacists at 6 months more than 10 patients per 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) pharmacist (total of approximately 30 patients). RESULTS: Eight pharmacists (5.8 FTE) received basic academic detailing training and education on SC PAD. Forty-eight physicians and 9 nurse practitioners consented to participate in the study. The mean PAD coordinator training time was 29.1 hours. The median time for SC education was 3.1 hours. The median times for PAD sessions were 15 and 25 minutes for an initial visit and follow-up visit, respectively. The numbers of prescribers who had received PAD at 3 and 6 months were 50 of 64 (78.1%) and 57 of 64 (89.1%), respectively. The numbers of new SC referrals at 3 and 6 months were 11 patients per FTE pharmacist (total of 66 patients) and 34 patients per FTE pharmacist (total of 200 patients), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study met the predetermined feasibility criteria with respect to the management, resources, process, and scientific components. Further study is warranted to determine whether PAD is more effective than conventional academic detailing.