Discovery of Highly Potent, Selective, and Liver-Targeting HSD17B13 Inhibitor with Robust In Vivo Anti-MASH Activity

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
is one
of the most common chronic liver diseases, driven by diverse genetic
and environmental factors. Extensive human genetics’ studies
have indicated that HSD17B13 is emerging as a promising therapeutic
target for MASH. However, no in vivo efficacy of
a HSD17B13 inhibitor has been reported. Herein, multiparameter optimization
studies led to the discovery of a highly potent and selective HSD17B13
inhibitor 32 (IC50 = 2.5 nM), which demonstrated
significantly better liver microsomal stability and pharmacokinetic
profile compared to BI-3231. Moreover, the unique liver-targeting
profile of compound 32 provided greater potential for
the treatment of MASH. In multiple mouse models, compound 32 exhibited better anti-MASH effects compared to BI-3231. Further
mechanistic studies indicated that compound 32 regulated
hepatic lipids by inhibiting the SREBP-1c/FAS pathway. Based on these
positive results, HSD17B13 inhibitor 32 is worthy of
further evaluation as the first pharmacological tool with robust in vivo anti-MASH activity.