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Other names | GDC-0853 |
Routes of administration | Oral |
Drug class | Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor |
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Formula | C37H44N8O4 |
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Fenebrutinib (also known as GDC-0853) is an experimental drug that acts as a selective, non-covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). [1] Developed by Roche, fenebrutinib is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and has shown promise in treating various autoimmune disorders. [2]
Fenebrutinib is characterized as a potent and highly selective BTK inhibitor with a measured inhibition constant (Ki) of 0.91 nM. [1] The drug demonstrates remarkable selectivity, being 130 times more selective for BTK compared to other kinases. [3] Unlike other BTK inhibitors, fenebrutinib is notable for being the only reversible inhibitor currently in Phase III trials for multiple sclerosis. [3]
The drug functions as a dual inhibitor, targeting both B-cell and microglia activation. [4] In the context of multiple sclerosis, this dual mechanism may be important for reducing both disease activity and neuroinflammation by modulating immune cell functions in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. [5]
Fenebrutinib has undergone extensive clinical testing for multiple sclerosis treatment. In Phase II trials, specifically the FENtopa study (NCT05119569), the drug demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. [6] The trial met both primary and secondary endpoints, showing reduction in new gadolinium-enhancing T1 brain lesions. [7] [8]
Long-term extension studies have shown that fenebrutinib can maintain near-complete suppression of disease activity and disability progression for up to two years in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. [9] The drug has demonstrated brain penetrance at clinically relevant concentrations and has shown the ability to suppress both acute and chronic MRI lesions. [2]
Currently, Roche is conducting three Phase III trials: FENhance 1 (NCT04586010) and FENhance 2 (NCT04586023) for relapsing multiple sclerosis, and FENtrepid (NCT04544449) for primary progressive multiple sclerosis. [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]
Beyond multiple sclerosis, fenebrutinib has been investigated for other autoimmune conditions. Phase II studies have evaluated its efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis patients with active disease despite TNF inhibitor treatment. [16] [17] The drug has also been investigated for potential applications in B-cell malignancies and other autoimmune disorders. [18]
In March 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed a clinical hold on fenebrutinib's development in the USA due to concerns about liver injury. [6] [4] [19] Despite this temporary setback, clinical trials continue to progress, with results from Phase III studies expected to be available soon. [20]
The International Nonproprietary Names number for fenebrutinib is 10603. [21]