INCB054828 (pemigatinib), a potent and selective inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3, displays activity against genetically defined tumor models

PLoS One. 2020 Apr 21;15(4):e0231877. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231877. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Alterations in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) genes have been identified as potential driver oncogenes. Pharmacological targeting of FGFRs may therefore provide therapeutic benefit to selected cancer patients, and proof-of-concept has been established in early clinical trials of FGFR inhibitors. Here, we present the molecular structure and preclinical characterization of INCB054828 (pemigatinib), a novel, selective inhibitor of FGFR 1, 2, and 3, currently in phase 2 clinical trials. INCB054828 pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were investigated using cell lines and tumor models, and the antitumor effect of oral INCB054828 was investigated using xenograft tumor models with genetic alterations in FGFR1, 2, or 3. Enzymatic assays with recombinant human FGFR kinases showed potent inhibition of FGFR1, 2, and 3 by INCB054828 (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] 0.4, 0.5, and 1.0 nM, respectively) with weaker activity against FGFR4 (IC50 30 nM). INCB054828 selectively inhibited growth of tumor cell lines with activation of FGFR signaling compared with cell lines lacking FGFR aberrations. The preclinical pharmacokinetic profile suggests target inhibition is achievable by INCB054828 in vivo with low oral doses. INCB054828 suppressed the growth of xenografted tumor models with FGFR1, 2, or 3 alterations as monotherapy, and the combination of INCB054828 with cisplatin provided significant benefit over either single agent, with an acceptable tolerability. The preclinical data presented for INCB054828, together with preliminary clinical observations, support continued investigation in patients with FGFR alterations, such as fusions and activating mutations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Nude
  • Mice, SCID
  • Morpholines / chemistry
  • Morpholines / pharmacokinetics
  • Morpholines / therapeutic use*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Pyrimidines / chemistry
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacokinetics
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
  • Pyrroles / chemistry
  • Pyrroles / pharmacokinetics
  • Pyrroles / therapeutic use*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Nude
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1 / metabolism
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3 / metabolism
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Morpholines
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Pyrimidines
  • Pyrroles
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3
  • pemigatinib

Grants and funding

The study was funded, sponsored and designed by Incyte Corporation (Wilmington, DE) including support in the form of salaries for the authors. Medical writing assistance was provided by Abigail Marmont, PhD, CMPP, and was funded by Incyte Corporation. The lead author (Phillip C.C. Liu, PhD) made the final decision to submit the manuscript for publication.