CDK2 heterobifunctional degraders co-degrade CDK2 and cyclin E resulting in efficacy in CCNE1-amplified and overexpressed cancers

Abstract

CCNE1 amplification drives aberrant CDK2-cyclin E1 activity in cancer. Despite activity of CDK2 inhibitors, their therapeutic margins are limited by poor CDK selectivity. We developed a degrader with high selectivity for CDK2 over CDK1 that also unexpectedly led to cyclin E1 degradation and potent and complete suppression of RB phosphorylation at concentrations with low CDK2 occupancy and negligible CDK1 degradation. Co-depletion of CDK2 and cyclin E1 also resensitized palbociclib-adapted breast cancer cells to cell cycle blockade. Overall, the improved potency and selectivity of the degrader for CDK2 over small-molecule inhibitors drives antiproliferative activity with greater specificity for CCNE1^amp cancer cells and RB dependency. Using an orally administered degrader, we demonstrate deep and sustained RB pathway suppression, which is needed to induce stasis in CCNE1^amp tumors. These results highlight the potential of this modality to target CDK2 potently and selectivity in this biomarker-defined patient population with high unmet need.