Discovery of A031 as effective proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) androgen receptor (AR) degrader for the treatment of prostate cancer

Androgen receptor (AR) is an effective therapeutic target for the treatment of prostate cancer. We report herein the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of highly effective proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) androgen receptor (AR) degraders, such as compound A031. It could induce the degradation of AR protein in VCaP cell lines in a time-dependent manner, achieving the IC 50 value of less than 0.25 mM. The A031 is 5 times less toxic than EZLA and works with an appropriate half-life (t 1/2) or clearance rate (Cl). Also, it has a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth in zebrafish transplanted with human prostate cancer (VCaP). Therefore, A031 provides a further idea of developing novel drugs for prostate cancer. (C) 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A031 is a highly effective androgen receptor degrader that induces the degradation of AR protein in VCaP cell lines in a time-dependent manner with an IC50 value of less than 0.25 mM. It is 5 times less toxic than EZLA and shows significant inhibitory effects on tumor growth in zebrafish transplanted with human prostate cancer (VCaP), providing a promising candidate for developing novel drugs for prostate cancer.