Discovery of GBT440, an Orally Bioavailable R-State Stabilizer of Sickle Cell Hemoglobin

Abstract

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide We report the discovery of a new potent allosteric effector of sickle cell hemoglobin, GBT440 ( 36 ), that increases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen and consequently inhibits its polymerization when subjected to hypoxic conditions. Unlike earlier allosteric activators that bind covalently to hemoglobin in a 2:1 stoichiometry, 36 binds with a 1:1 stoichiometry. Compound 36 is orally bioavailable and partitions highly and favorably into the red blood cell with a RBC/plasma ratio of ∼150. This partitioning onto the target protein is anticipated to allow therapeutic concentrations to be achieved in the red blood cell at low plasma concentrations. GBT440 ( 36 ) is in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of sickle cell disease (NCT03036813).