Unity Biotechnology, Inc.
Phosphonamidates that are BCL Family Antagonists for Use in Clinical Management of Conditions Caused or Mediated by Senescent Cells and for Treating Cancer

Abstract:

This disclosure provides compounds with Bcl inhibitory activity based on a new chemical scaffold. Phosphonamidate compounds typically include a P-phenyl phosphonamidate moiety which is substituted with an N-aryl or N-heteroaryl group. The P-phenyl phosphonamidate moiety may be optionally substituted at phosphorus with thio (.dbd.S) instead of oxo (.dbd.O), and/or with a thioxy group or a second amino group instead of an oxy group. One of the heteroatoms attached to phosphorus may be cyclically linked to the N-substituted nitrogen atom that is attached to the phosphorus to provide a heterocyclic ring. By incorporating such a cyclic constraint between two phosphorus substituents of the core linking moiety, a favorable binding conformation may be promoted in the compounds. Selected compounds promote apoptosis in senescent cells, and can be developed for treating senescent-related conditions, such as osteoarthritis, ophthalmic disease, pulmonary disease, and atherosclerosis. Selected compounds promote apoptosis in cancer cells, and can be developed as chemotherapeutic agents.