Abstract: Non ligand binding pocket antagonists for the human androgen receptor. The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the Nuclear Receptor (NR) family and its role is to modulate the biological effects of the endogenous androgens, testosterone (tes) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Synthetic androgens and anti-androgens have therapeutic value in the treatment of various androgen dependent conditions, from regulation of male fertility to prostate cancer. Current treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) typically involves administration of ‘classical’ antiandrogens, competitive inhibitors of natural AR ligands, DHT and tes, for the ligand binding pocket (LBP) in the C-terminal ligand binding domain (LBD) of the AR. However, prolonged LBP-targeting can often lead to androgen resistance and alternative therapies and therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Disclosed herein are a class of non-steroidal, small molecule AR antagonists which inhibit the transcriptional activity of the AR by non LBP-mediated modulation.

Abstract: Non ligand binding pocket antagonists for the human androgen receptor. The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the Nuclear Receptor (NR) family and its role is to modulate the biological effects of the endogenous androgens, testosterone (tes) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Synthetic androgens and anti-androgens have therapeutic value in the treatment of various androgen dependent conditions, from regulation of male fertility to prostate cancer. Current treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) typically involves administration of ‘classical’ antiandrogens, competitive inhibitors of natural AR ligands, DHT and tes, for the ligand binding pocket (LBP) in the C-terminal ligand binding domain (LBD) of the AR. However, prolonged LBP-targeting can often lead to androgen resistance and alternative therapies and therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Disclosed herein are a class of non-steroidal, small molecule AR antagonists which inhibit the transcriptional activity of the AR by non LBP-mediated modulation.

Abstract: Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Although many advances have been made in the treatment and management of the disease, the existence of chemotherapy-resistance means there is still a great need to develop new strategies and drugs for its treatment. Provided herein are synthetic derivatives of combretastatin A-4, in particular those in which the aromatic rings are locked into a non-isomerisable active conformation, thus resulting in improved, stable compounds. The novel compounds are structurally related to combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) and lock the rings into the known active conformation by means of a four membered nitrogen containing heterocyclic ring, such as a beta-lactam ring, incorporated into the standard CA-4 structure. The compounds exhibit potent anti-cancer activity.