Optimization of a series of R132H IDH1 inhibitors from a high throughput screen led to the first potent molecules that show robust tumor 2-HG inhibition in a xenograft model. Compound 35 shows good potency in the U87 R132H cell based assay and ∼90% tumor 2-HG inhibition in the corresponding mouse xenograft model following BID dosing. The magnitude and duration of tumor 2-HG inhibition correlates with free plasma concentration.

Indole derivative 1 interferes with the interaction of the HIV surface protein gp120 with the host cell receptor CD4. The 4-fluoro derivative 2 exhibited markedly enhanced potency and was bioavailable in the rat, dog, and cynomolgus monkey when administered orally as a solution formulation. However, aqueous suspensions of 2 were poorly bioavailable, indicative of dissolution-limited absorption. The 7-azaindole derivative 3, BMS-378806, exhibited improved pharmaceutical properties while retaining the HIV-1 inhibitory profile of 2.

No compass required: A method is described for forming biaryl CC bonds by a PdII‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of aryl CH bonds with aryl boronic acids under mild conditions without the presence of directing groups. Different substituents on both (hetero)arenes and aryl boronic acids are compatible with the reaction conditions, and the homocoupling of boronic acids is highly inhibited. Dioxygen was applied as the final oxidant.

Step by step: Highly selective cross dehydrogenative arylation of acetanilides was developed to construct biaryls under mild condition. With this method, different aryl CH bonds were activated in sequential reactions to construct functionalized carbazoles (see scheme), which are present as key structural units in various biological molecules and organic optical materials.