Insilico Medicine's Abu Dhabi Team Reports Novel BTK Degraders in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Summary

Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry showcases a novel PROTAC series from Insilico Medicine UAE, advancing local research in targeted protein degradation - Insilico Medicine AI R&D Center in Abu Dhabi adds a new discovery milestone to the company’s UAE operations, with research on BTK degraders for potential applications in blood cancers. - Chemistry42 supported the design of novel molecular building blocks, yielding lead compounds ISM-PR25 and ISM-PR44 with picomolar BTK degradation activity and oral bioavailability in mice. - The research builds on the UAE-based discovery of PRMT5 inhibitor ISM0387, demonstrating the breadth of Insilico’s local drug discovery capabilities. ABU DHABI, UAE, September 17, 2026. Insilico Medicine (“Insilico”, HKEX: 3696), a clinical-stage tech-bio company powered by generative artificial intelligence, today highlighted novel BTK degraders discovered by its UAE team as part of its growing research presence in the Middle East. First published online in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (a premier international journal in medicinal chemistry) on August 14, 2026, the study represents a scientific milestone for Insilico Medicine UAE and demonstrates its capabilities in targeted protein degradation. “Our ambition in Abu Dhabi is to build a team that can originate new medicines and contribute to international drug discovery,” said Alex Aliper, PhD, President of Insilico Medicine. “Following our UAE-based discovery of the PRMT5 preclinical candidate, this BTK degrader publication demonstrates the range of scientific problems our local team can tackle. It is another step in building lasting drug discovery capabilities here in the UAE.” Developing a new approach to BTK drug discovery Blood cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) affect B cells, a type of immune cell. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) supports signaling that helps these cancer cells grow and survive, making it an established therapeutic target. Although BTK inhibitors have improved treatment options, resistance mutations can limit their effectiveness. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) offer a different mechanism: they recruit the cell’s protein degradation machinery to remove BTK. Developing selective orally bioavailable PROTACs remains challenging. Insilico’s team used its proprietary generative AI plat…