Discovery of Galactopyranose-1-carboxamides as a New Class of Small, Novel, Potent, Selective, and Orally Active Galectin-3 Inhibitors

Abstract

Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding lectin, is implicated in diverse cellular functions ranging from immune response modulation to tissue homeostasis. Notably, increased Gal-3 expression has been linked to the progression of numerous diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and cardiovascular disorders, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target. Small molecule inhibitors have been discovered and are valuable tools to study such diseases. We report here the discovery of novel, galactose-based, small molecule inhibitors such as compound 12 which are orally bioavailable and show efficacy in a mouse model of acute liver injury and fibrosis (CCl₄ model). The use of structure-based drug design (docking of a virtual library of amides based on acid 2) was key in the process towards potent, nanomolar inhibitors.