Extended Applications of Small-Molecule Covalent Inhibitors toward Novel Therapeutic Targets

Recently, small-molecule covalent inhibitors have been accepted as a practical tool for targeting previously undruggable proteins. The high target selectivity of modern covalent inhibitors is now alleviating toxicity concerns regarding the covalent modifications of proteins. However, despite the tremendous clinical success of current covalent inhibitors, there are still unmet medical needs that covalent inhibitors have not yet addressed. This review categorized representative covalent inhibitors based on their mechanism of covalent inhibition: conventional covalent inhibitors, targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs), and expanded TCIs. By reviewing both Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs and drug candidates from recent literature, we provide insight into the future direction of covalent inhibitor development.

Automated summary

Covalent inhibitors have been accepted as a practical tool for targeting previously undruggable proteins. Despite the clinical success, there are still unmet medical needs. Categorizing and reviewing covalent inhibitors provide insights into the future development of this field.