Discovery of ZN-c3, a Highly Potent and Selective Wee1 Inhibitor Undergoing Evaluation in Clinical Trials for the Treatment of Cancer

Abstract

Wee1 inhibition has received great attention in the past decade as a promising therapy for cancer treatment. Therefore, a potent and selective Wee1 inhibitor is highly desirable. Our efforts to make safer and more efficacious Wee1 inhibitors led to the discovery of compound <b>16</b>, a highly selective Wee1 inhibitor with balanced potency, ADME, and pharmacokinetic properties. The chiral ethyl moiety of compound <b>16</b> provided an unexpected improvement of Wee1 potency. Compound <b>16</b>, known as ZN-c3, showed excellent <i>in vivo</i> efficacy and is currently being evaluated in phase 2 clinical trials.