Peptidomimetics for Treating HER2-Overexpressd Cancer

Abstract

Novel peptidomimetic compounds are disclosed, compounds that inhibit protein-protein interactions (PPI) of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), also called human epidermal growth factor receptors (HERs), and that block signaling for cell growth in HER2-overexpressed cancers. The novel peptidomimetics specifically bind the HER2 protein, and thereby inhibit dimerization. The peptidomimetics disrupt both HER2-HER3 and EGFR-HER2 heterodimer formation. The peptidomimetics can be used in the treatment of various types of HER2-overexpressed cancers, including lung, breast, and ovarian cancers.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A compound having the following structure: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein: 
         R1 is hydroxyl; 
         R2 is hydroxyl; and 
         wherein R1 and R2 are each covalently bonded to any of the carbon atoms of the proline residue to which R1 and R2 are, respectively, shown as being adjacent in the structure depicted; and 
         wherein said compound comprises at least one amino acid residue present primarily in the D-conformation; and wherein said compound comprises at least one chiral center in addition to the D-amino acid residue, and wherein an enantiomeric excess is present at said at least one chiral center. 
       
     
     
         2 . A compound having the following structure: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of C 1  to C 8  alkyl or substituted alkyl; C 1  to C 8  alkyl or substituted alkoxy; C 1  to C 8  alkyl or substituted alkenyl; C 1  to C 10  aryl, heteroaryl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroaryl; C 1  to C 8  substituted or unsubstituted amino; amino acid; hydrogen; carboxyl; hydroxyl; or halide; wherein any of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 may be the same as or different from any other of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10; provided that at least one of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 is not hydrogen; and wherein R1 and R2 are each covalently bonded to any of the carbon atoms of the proline residue to which R1 and R2 are, respectively, shown as being adjacent in the structure depicted; and 
         wherein said compound comprises at least one amino acid residue present primarily in the D-conformation; and wherein said compound comprises at least one chiral center in addition to the D-amino acid residue, and wherein an enantiomeric excess is present at said at least one chiral center. 
       
     
     
         3 . The compound of  claim 2 , wherein said compound comprises at least one Arg-[3-amino-3-(1-naphthyl propionic acid)]-Phe-Asp moiety.