Here we report the discovery and optimization of a series of bivalent bromodomain and extraterminal inhibitors. Starting with the observation of BRD4 activity of compounds from a previous program, the compounds were optimized for BRD4 potency and physical properties. The optimized compound from this campaign exhibited excellent pharmacokinetic profile and exhibited high potency in vitro and in vivo effecting c-Myc downregulation and tumor growth inhibition in xenograft studies. This compound was selected as the development candidate, AZD5153. The series showed enhanced potency as a result of bivalent binding and a clear correlation between BRD4 activity and cellular potency.

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A robust and scalable synthesis of (R)-methyl 2-[(1r,4R)-4-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)cyclohexyl]-2-(2-nitrophenylsulfonamido)acetate is reported. This serves as a scaffold for the preparation of trans-substituted aminocyclohexanes. The key synthetic step is the reduction of D-4-hydroxyphenylglycine, or a protected equivalent, to achieve the required regiochemistry across the cyclohexyl ring.