The pyrido[b]indole MDM2 inhibitor SP-141 exerts potent therapeutic effects in breast cancer models

A requirement for Mouse Double Minute 2 (MDM2) oncogene activation has been suggested to be associated with cancer progression and metastasis, including breast cancer. To date, most MDM2 inhibitors have been designed to block the MDM2–p53-binding interphase, and have low or no efficacy against advanced breast cancer with mutant or deficient p53. Here we use a high-throughput screening and computer-aided, structure-based rational drug design, and identify a lead compound, SP-141, which can directly bind to MDM2, inhibit MDM2 expression and induce its autoubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. SP-141 has strong in vitro and in vivo antibreast cancer activity, with no apparent host toxicity. While further investigation is needed, our data indicate that SP-141 is a novel targeted therapeutic agent that may especially benefit patients with advanced disease.