Abstract 1183: A first-in-class and SHP1 allosteric inhibitor, SB8091, shows a good efficacy and safety profile in preclinical models
Authors: Kim Jun Gyu , Ryu Ki Moon , Cho Jongho , Kim Dajeong , Seong Dae Hyeon , Kim Kyu Hwan , Jang Ik-Soo , Shin Jeong Yoon , Jeong Seo Yoon , Jang Mi Yeon , Han Hong Sik , Hwang Joon Yonug , Lee Dae Young , Ryu Chae Lim , Lee Song yi , Kim Han Eol , Lee Hyung Ki , Lee Han Young , Han Tae-Dong , Yang SeungMin , Doh Hyounmie 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP1) is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) that is primarily expressed in hematopoietic cells and is commonly recognized as a negative regulator of multiple signaling pathways1. Previously, we showed that inhibition of the phosphatase activity of SHP1 by a novel SHP1 allosteric inhibitor, SB6299, results in the activation of innate and adaptive immune cells and enhanced anti-tumor immune responses2. Here, we report SB8091, an advanced SHP1 allosteric inhibitor with a promising initial safety profile and improved pharmacokinetic properties.

Methods: SHP1 inhibitors were developed through a structure-based drug design approach, and optimized for cellular activity on target, in vitro ADME, and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and preliminary toxicity studies were performed with mice. The lead series was assessed in in-vitro studies with mouse or human primary immune cells. In-vivo efficacy and pharmacodynamic data were generated using mouse syngeneic tumor models.

Results: Structurally, SB8091 seemed to stabilize the autoinhibitory form of SHP1 as an allosteric inhibitor, in a nanomolar range and which can explain the outstanding selectivity compared to other PTP enzymes, including SHP2. In several human primary immune cell types, SB8091 significantly increased cytokine responses and demonstrated significantly enhanced activity in NK cells and macrophages against various cancer target cells. As a single agent, this compound exhibited inhibitory effects on tumor growth when administered orally, and the efficacy was further enhanced when co-administered with anti-PD1 antibodies in various syngeneic tumor models. Notably, this effect was associated with a pharmacodynamic response marked by increased levels of phosphorylated substrates regulated by SHP1. SB8091 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties for oral administration, and SafetyScreen data showed a very low potential for off-target activity and drug-drug interactions. Additionally, during a 2-week repeat pilot toxicity study in mice, SB8091 demonstrated excellent tolerability even at high doses, indicating a high therapeutic index (TI &gt; 100).

Conclusion: Our advanced compound, SB8091, is a potent, highly selective, and orally bioavailable allosteric inhibitor of SHP1. It has demonstrated excellent efficacy as a monotherapy or in combination with immune checkpoint blockers, with favorable drug properties and safety profiles. Research to advance to the clinical stage is being conducted.

References: 1. Watson HA, SHP-1: the next checkpoint target for cancer immunotherapy? Biochem Soc Trans. 2016. 2. AACR-NCI-EORTC 2023; A first-in-class and highly selective SHP1 allosteric inhibitor exhibits robust anti-tumor immunity and synergizes with PD-1 blockade; poster#34172

Citation Format: Jun Gyu Kim, Ki Moon Ryu, Jongho Cho, Dajeong Kim, Dae Hyeon Seong, Kyu Hwan Kim, Ik-Soo Jang, Jeong Yoon Shin, Seo Yoon Jeong, Mi Yeon Jang, Hong Sik Han, Joon Yonug Hwang, Dae Young Lee, Chae Lim Ryu, Song yi Lee, Han Eol Kim, Hyung Ki Lee, Han Young Lee, Tae-Dong Han, SeungMin Yang, Hyounmie Doh. A first-in-class and SHP1 allosteric inhibitor, SB8091, shows a good efficacy and safety profile in preclinical models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1183.