MD-222 is the first-in-class highly potent PROTAC degrader of MDM2. MD-222 induces rapid degradation of the MDM2 protein and activation of wild-type p53 in cells. MD-222 has anticancer effects[1][2].
MD-222 (1-30 nM; 1-2 hours) treatment shows very effective in reducing the levels of MDM2 protein and increasing the levels of p53 in a time- and dose-dependent manner in RS4;11 and RS4;11/IRMI-2 cells[1]. MD-222 (30-100 nM; 6 hours) is effective in increasing the expression of several p53-targeted genes, such as MDM2, CDKN1A, and PUMA in RS4;11 cells, indicating strong activation of p53[2]. MD-222 (4 days) shows cell growth inhibitory activity in RS4;11 cells with an IC50 of 5.5 nM, and has no effect on RS4;11/IRMI-2, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells[1].
[1]. Jiuling Yang, et al. Simple Structural Modifications Converting a Bona fide MDM2 PROTAC Degrader into a Molecular Glue Molecule: A Cautionary Tale in the Design of PROTAC Degraders. J Med Chem. 2019 Nov 14;62(21):9471-9487.
[2]. Li Y, et al. Discovery of MD-224 as a First-in-Class, Highly Potent, and Efficacious Proteolysis TargetingChimera Murine Double Minute 2 Degrader Capable of Achieving Complete and Durable TumorRegression. J Med Chem. 2019 Jan 24;62(2):448-466.