Abstract:
The Beyond the Flatland Library represents a groundbreaking approach in small molecule drug discovery by incorporating sp3 enriched molecules into the chemical space. The library’s unique focus on three-dimensional (3D) structures provides novel opportunities to target challenging and traditionally undruggable biological targets. This article reviews the development and applications of the Beyond the Flatland Library, highlighting its potential in expanding the scope of drug discovery.
Introduction:
In the pursuit of effective therapeutics, drug discovery researchers have predominantly focused on flat aromatic structures as the backbone of their small molecule libraries. However, many biological targets are inaccessible to these flat molecules due to their limited 3D binding capabilities. This limitation necessitates an innovative approach to explore chemical space beyond the realm of flatland. The advent of the Beyond the Flatland Library marks a significant milestone in addressing this challenge by incorporating sp3 enriched molecules, which possess a higher degree of stereochemical complexity and 3D character.
Development of the Beyond the Flatland Library:
The development of the Beyond the Flatland Library involved a combination of computational tools, synthetic chemistry, and structural biology. Computational methods were employed to explore chemical space and identify suitable scaffolds that can generate structurally diverse and sp3 enriched compounds. These scaffolds were then subjected to focused synthesis efforts, allowing for the generation of a diverse array of small molecules with varying stereochemistry. This library was subsequently tested for biological activity against a range of targets to assess its potential therapeutic applications.
Applications and Benefits:
The incorporation of sp3 enriched molecules in the Beyond the Flatland Library offers several advantages for drug discovery. First, it expands the repertoire of targetable biological space, enabling access to previously unrecognized or challenging targets. By exploring 3D space, these molecules can engage in a wider range of interactions, enhancing binding affinity and selectivity. Moreover, the increased stereochemical complexity of sp3 enriched molecules provides opportunities for conformational flexibility, resulting in improved pharmacokinetic properties and reduced off-target effects.
Furthermore, the Beyond the Flatland Library facilitates the exploration of protein-protein interactions, which have long been considered difficult to target with small molecules. By adopting a 3D approach with sp3 enriched compounds, this library opens up avenues for the disruption or modulation of protein-protein interactions, enabling novel therapeutic interventions in previously untapped areas.
