Discovery of RGT-018: A Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable SOS1 Inhibitor for KRAS-Driven Cancers

KRAS is the most frequently dysregulated oncogene with a high prevalence in non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. FDA-approved sotorasib and adagrasib provide breakthrough therapies for patients with cancer with KRASG12C mutation. However, there is still high unmet medical need for new agents targeting broader KRAS-driven tumors. An emerging and promising opportunity is to develop a pan KRAS inhibitor by suppressing the upstream protein of Son of Sevenless 1 (SOS1). SOS1 is a key activator of KRAS and facilitates the conversion of GDP-bound KRAS state to GTP-bound KRAS state. Binding to its catalytic domain, small-molecule SOS1 inhibitor has demonstrated the ability to suppress KRAS activation and cancer cell proliferation. RGT-018, a potent and selective SOS1 inhibitor, was identified with optimal drug-like properties. In vitro, RGT-018 blocked the interaction of KRAS:SOS1 with single-digit nanomoles per liter potency and was highly selective against SOS2. RGT-018 inhibited KRAS signaling and the proliferation of a broad spectrum of KRAS-driven cancer cells as a single agent in vitro. Further enhanced antiproliferation activity was observed when RGT-018 was combined with MEK, KRASG12C, EGFR, or CDK4/6 inhibitors. Oral administration of RGT-018 inhibited tumor growth and suppressed KRAS signaling in tumor xenografts in vivo. Combinations with MEK or KRASG12C inhibitors led to significant tumor regression. Furthermore, RGT-018 overcame the resistance to the approved KRASG12C inhibitors caused by clinically acquired KRAS mutations either as a single agent or in combination. RGT-018 displayed promising pharmacological properties for combination with targeted agents to treat a broader KRAS-driven patient population.