Discovery of a Small Molecule TREM2 Agonist with Improved In Vitro Pharmacokinetic Profile and Validated Target Engagement
Shaoren Yuan, Farida El Gaamouch, Sung‐Woo Cho, Katarzyna Kuncewicz, Hossam Nada, Moustafa T. Gabr
Abstract
The microglial lipid-sensing receptor TREM2 is a promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease. We report the discovery of C1, a racemic structural analog of the clinical-stage TREM2 agonist VG-3927 . Synthesized via a concise, modular, and enantioselective-free route using sequential Suzuki couplings, C1 enables rapid scaffold diversification. Compared to VG-3927, this stereochemically simplified derivative exhibits superior microglial phagocytosis and activates TREM2 signaling in HEK293-hTREM2/DAP12 cells, demonstrating validated target engagement. Direct binding of C1 to TREM2 was unequivocally confirmed by both surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and microscale thermophoresis (MST). Critically, C1 displays a superior in vitro pharmacokinetic profile to VG-3927: enhanced metabolic stability in human and mouse liver microsomes, favorable passive permeability (PAMPA), and a CNS-compatible log D 7 . 4 . Docking studies suggest a potential binding mode for C1 within TREM2’s extracellular domain, revealing key interactions. These attributes establish C1 as an accessible and pharmacokinetically favorable lead compound with strong potential for developing TREM2-targeted therapies.