The peptide-semicarbazone S-2209, a representative of a new class of proteasome inhibitors, induces apoptosis and cell growth arrest in multiple myeloma cells

Summary Bortezomib is the first approved member of a new class of anti-myeloma agents, the proteasome inhibitors. Further proteasome inhibitors are needed to optimise this promising treatment option. S-2209 [1-[1-{1-[(2,4-Dioxo-imidazolidin-1-ylimino)-methyl]-2-phenyl-ethylcarbamoyl}-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethylcarbamoyl]-2-(1H-indol)] inhibits the chymotryptic activity of the human 20S proteasome (half maximal effective concentration, IC50∼220 nmol/l) which was determined by a proteasome inhibition assay. A nuclear factor κB inhibition assay revealed a half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0·9 μmol/l. The WST-1 growth assay showed inhibition of cell growth of all tested multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines with an IC50 between 100 nmol/l and 600 nmol/l. Strong induction of apoptosis was seen in MM cells at nanomolar concentrations (IC50∼300 nm) as well as in primary myeloma cells. No induction of apoptosis was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy humans. Upregulation of p53, activation of JNK protein, and downregulation of Mcl-1 was revealed. Despite the administration of 15 mg S-2209/kg/d in wistar rats, no toxicity with respect to body weight, hepatic enzymes, creatinine or haemoglobin was seen. Proteasome inhibition in white blood cells isolated from the treated rats was higher in the S-2209 treated animals in comparison with the control animals treated with 0·1 mg/kg/d bortezomib. S-2209 is active in myeloma cells and shows a favourable toxicity profile in first in-vivo studies. S-2209 is a promising agent for further clinical development.