Astinova Blog

Chemistry, Drug Discovery, and Advanced Modalities

Working notes from the Astinova chemistry team — synthesis case studies, modality deep dives, and observations from real drug discovery programs.

FDA approved small molecules· · 5 min read

Synthesis of Lenacapavir

Lenacapavir (YEZTUGO (PrEP) and SUNLENCA (HIV-1 treatment)) — Drug Intelligence Dossier Compiled: 2026-06-17 · Trigger event: FDA approval, 2025-06-18 Innovator: Gilead Sciences, Inc. (development code GS-6207) Status: Approved NME INN: lenacapavirBrand (US): YEZTUGO (PrEP) and SUNLENCA (HIV-1 treatment)CAS: 2189684-44-2ChEMBL: —MW: 968.3 g/molNDA #: NDA 220020 / 220018 (YEZTUGO, PrEP); original NME…

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FDA approved small molecules· · 5 min read

Synthesis of Remibrutinib (RHAPSIDO)

Compiled: 2026-06-17 · Trigger event: FDA approval, 2025-09-30 Innovator: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Status: Approved NME INN: remibrutinibBrand (US): RHAPSIDOCAS: 1787294-07-8ChEMBL: CHEMBL4483575MW: 507.5 g/molNDA #: NDA 218436Approval: 2025-09-30 Mechanism: Remibrutinib is an oral, small-molecule covalent (irreversible) inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), engaging the catalytic Cys481 via its acrylamide warhead and binding an inactive…

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FDA approved small molecules· · 4 min read

Synthesis of Brensocatib (BRINSUPRI)

Compiled: 2026-06-16 · Trigger event: FDA approval, 2025-08-12 Innovator: Insmed Incorporated (originator AstraZeneca; AZD7986, worldwide-licensed to Insmed Oct 2016 as INS1007) Status: Approved NME INN: brensocatibBrand (US): BRINSUPRICAS: 1802148-05-5ChEMBL: CHEMBL3900409MW: 420.5 g/molNDA #: NDA 217673Approval: 2025-08-12 Mechanism: Brensocatib is a competitive, reversible (reversible-covalent, via a nitrile warhead engaging the catalytic Cys) inhibitor of…

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FDA approved small molecules· · 2 min read

Synthesis of Difamilast (ADQUEY)

Patent / Application Type Assignee Filed Expiry (~) WO 2007/058338 A1 (US 7,919,617 B2; EP 1,953,148 B1; JP 4,975,757 B2) Composition of matter (originator) Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 2006-11-16 (priority 2005-11-15, JP 2005-330289) ~Nov 2026 nominal (US 7,919,617…

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Blog· · 3 min read

Synthesis of Baxdrostat (Baxfendy™) — Drug Intelligence Dossier

Patent Landscape & Exclusivity 2.1 Key patent filings Synthesis Route of the Originator Convergent synthesis disclosed in WO 2014/135561 (Roche). Eastern fragment: 1-methyl-6-bromo-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one (INT-2) → pinacolboronate (INT-3, via Pd/B2pin2 Miyaura). Western fragment: (R)-8-aminotetrahydroisoquinoline scaffold, Boc-protected (INT-5), 4-bromide for…

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ADC· · 7 min read

ADC Linkers Are Not Plumbing

In the conventional ADC narrative, the antibody picks the cell, the payload kills it, and the linker just holds them together until they get there. The picture is wrong in roughly the same way that calling a fuel…

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Blog· · 7 min read

PROTACs Are a Chemistry Problem

In the last five years, targeted protein degradation has gone from an academic curiosity to an industry-wide drug discovery priority. Roughly thirty PROTACs are in human clinical trials as of early 2026. Several are deep into Phase 2…

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