Bexobrutideg, formerly known as NX-5948, is an orally bioavailable, brain-penetrant, small molecule that functions as a specific degrader of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK).[1] This investigational agent is at the forefront of targeted protein degradation, a novel therapeutic modality with the potential to overcome limitations of existing kinase inhibitors.[1] The development of bexobrutideg is primarily focused on addressing significant unmet medical needs in various B-cell hematologic malignancies, with emerging potential in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.[1]
The development of bexobrutideg is being led by Nurix Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRIX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. Nurix specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of targeted protein modulation medicines, particularly protein degraders.[1] A cornerstone of Nurix's innovative approach is its proprietary DELigase™ platform. This integrated discovery engine utilizes DNA-encoded libraries (DEL) combined with artificial intelligence tools, termed DEL-AI, to identify and advance novel drug candidates that specifically target E3 ubiquitin ligases.[2] The company's strategy involves either harnessing or inhibiting the natural function of these E3 ligases to selectively decrease or increase the levels of disease-causing proteins within cells.[3] Beyond bexobrutideg, Nurix's pipeline includes other clinical-stage assets such as NX-2127, another BTK degrader which also degrades Ikaros (IKZF1) and Aiolos (IKZF3), and NX-1607, an inhibitor of the E3 ligase Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene B (CBL-B), alongside several partnered programs.[3] This commitment to protein degradation technology underscores Nurix's strategic focus on pioneering distinct therapeutic modalities rather than incremental improvements on existing drug classes.
The rationale for developing bexobrutideg stems from the critical role of BTK in B-cell biology and the limitations of current BTK inhibitor (BTKi) therapies. BTK is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase essential for B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, which in turn governs B-cell development, differentiation, proliferation, and survival.[9] Dysregulation of BTK activity is a well-established driver in many B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), and various non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs). While covalent and non-covalent BTK inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment landscape for these diseases, their efficacy can be compromised by the emergence of resistance mutations (e.g., BTK C481S) that prevent drug binding, or by kinase-independent scaffolding functions of the BTK protein that are not addressed by simple kinase inhibition.[4] Furthermore, off-target effects of some BTKis can lead to undesirable toxicities, such as cardiovascular complications. Bexobrutideg, by inducing the degradation of the entire BTK protein, offers a mechanism to potentially overcome these resistance mechanisms and potentially provide a more complete and durable response.[9] This focus on addressing BTKi resistance positions bexobrutideg for initial utility in patient populations with high unmet needs who have progressed on or are intolerant to existing BTKi therapies.
A key differentiating feature of bexobrutideg, highlighted consistently since its early development, is its ability to penetrate the central nervous system (CNS).[1] This property was likely a deliberate design objective, aiming to address the challenge of CNS involvement in certain B-cell malignancies, such as primary CNS lymphoma or CNS relapse of systemic lymphomas, which are notoriously difficult to treat due to the blood-brain barrier limiting the efficacy of many systemic therapies.
Beyond oncology, the role of BTK in signaling pathways of both B-cells and myeloid cells (e.g., Toll-like receptor and Fc receptor signaling) implicates it in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.[1] The potential for bexobrutideg to achieve deep and sustained suppression of these pathways forms the basis for its exploration in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune cytopenias.[2]
The unique identity and characteristics of bexobrutideg are fundamental to its novel mechanism and therapeutic potential.
Nomenclature:
The nonproprietary name assigned to the compound formerly known as NX-5948 is bexobrutideg.1 This name was officially adopted in March 2025 following collaboration with the United States Adopted Name (USAN) Council.1 Of particular note is the assignment of the novel suffix "-deg." This suffix was specifically designated to classify bexobrutideg and similar future agents as members of a new pharmacological class: targeted protein degraders. This nomenclature recognizes the distinct mode of action, differentiating these molecules from traditional inhibitors (e.g., "-tinibs" for kinase inhibitors).1 The formal establishment of this suffix is a landmark event, signifying regulatory acknowledgment of protein degradation as a unique therapeutic strategy and potentially influencing the classification and regulatory pathways for this emerging field of medicines.
Chemical Identity and Characteristics:
Bexobrutideg is identified by the chemical name 3-\amino]carbonyl]-3-pyridinyl]-4-piperidinyl]methyl]-4-piperidinyl]phenyl]amino]-5--2-pyrazinecarboxamide.12 Its molecular formula is C42H54N12O5, corresponding to a molecular weight of 806.97 g/mol.12 The CAS Registry Number for bexobrutideg is 2649400-34-8.12
The complex chemical name strongly suggests a bifunctional molecular architecture, characteristic of PROTAC® (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera) molecules. The presence of the "(3S)-2,6-Dioxo-3-piperidinyl" moiety is indicative of a thalidomide-like ligand that binds to the E3 ubiquitin ligase cereblon (CRBN). The remaining extensive structure would encompass the BTK-binding "warhead" and the linker connecting these two functional ends, consistent with its described mechanism of action.[12]
For research purposes, bexobrutideg exhibits solubility up to 50 mM in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and is typically supplied at a purity of ≥98%.[12] Recommended storage for the research-grade compound is at -20°C.[12]
Interestingly, bexobrutideg possesses physicochemical properties that deviate from those typically associated with CNS-penetrant drugs. For instance, it has a molecular weight significantly exceeding the commonly cited guideline of ≤360 Da for CNS agents, and also surpasses typical thresholds for polar surface area (TPSA) and hydrogen bond donor (HBD) count.[13] Its calculated CNS Multi-Parameter Optimization (MPO) score is 2.2 (or 2.7 when accounting for solvent-exposed HBDs), which is generally lower than that of established CNS drugs and would conventionally predict reduced CNS exposure.[13] Despite these "unfavorable" properties, bexobrutideg demonstrates effective CNS penetration and activity, a phenomenon attributed to its catalytic mechanism of action, which allows for efficacy at very low unbound drug concentrations within the CNS.[13] This challenges traditional drug design paradigms for CNS therapeutics and suggests that catalytic mechanisms may offer a way to overcome certain pharmacokinetic barriers.
Formulation:
Bexobrutideg has been developed as an orally bioavailable small molecule.1 In clinical trials, it is administered as an oral dose once daily.4
The following table summarizes the key chemical and formulation properties of bexobrutideg:
Table 1: Summary of Bexobrutideg (NX-5948) Chemical and Formulation Properties
Property | Description | Source Snippet(s) |
---|---|---|
Nonproprietary Name | Bexobrutideg | 1 |
Previous Identifier | NX-5948 | 1 |
Significance of "-deg" Suffix | Designates a new class of targeted protein degraders, recognizing novel degradation MoA | 1 |
Developer | Nurix Therapeutics, Inc. | 1 |
Chemical Name | 3-\amino]carbonyl]-3-pyridinyl]-4-piperidinyl]methyl]-4-piperidinyl]phenyl]amino]-5--2-pyrazinecarboxamide | 12 |
Molecular Formula | C42H54N12O5 | 12 |
Molecular Weight | 806.97 g/mol | 12 |
CAS Number | 2649400-34-8 | 12 |
Solubility (DMSO) | Soluble to 50 mM | 12 |
Purity (research grade) | ≥98% | 12 |
Formulation Type | Oral small molecule | 1 |
Route of Administration | Oral, once daily (in clinical trials) | 4 |
CNS MPO Score | 2.2 (2.7 accounting for solvent-exposed HBDs) | 13 |
Bexobrutideg represents a distinct pharmacological approach as a Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) degrader, belonging to the class of targeted protein degraders, specifically engineered as a PROTAC® (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera).[1]
Detailed Mechanism of Action:
The mechanism of bexobrutideg involves hijacking the cell's natural protein disposal system. As a bifunctional molecule, it possesses two key binding domains connected by a linker: one domain selectively binds to BTK, and the other binds to cereblon (CRBN), a substrate receptor component of the Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex.10 This dual binding facilitates the formation of a ternary complex, bringing BTK into close proximity with the CRBN E3 ligase machinery. Once this complex is formed, the E3 ligase catalyzes the polyubiquitination of the BTK protein. This polyubiquitin chain acts as a molecular tag, marking BTK for recognition and subsequent degradation by the 26S proteasome.10
The critical distinction of this mechanism is that it leads to the selective elimination and removal of the entire BTK protein from the cell, encompassing both wild-type and mutant forms of BTK.[9] This is fundamentally different from traditional BTK inhibitors, which merely block the kinase activity of the protein. By removing the entire protein, bexobrutideg can abrogate not only the kinase-dependent signaling functions of BTK but also any potential kinase-independent scaffolding roles the protein might play, which can contribute to cell survival and resistance.[9] This comprehensive targeting of BTK offers a potential advantage in overcoming multiple mechanisms of resistance observed with conventional BTK inhibitors.
Catalytic Nature and Efficiency:
A hallmark of PROTAC degraders like bexobrutideg is their catalytic mode of action. Unlike inhibitors that typically require a 1:1 stoichiometric relationship with their target for sustained inhibition, a single molecule of bexobrutideg can orchestrate the degradation of multiple BTK protein molecules.13 After facilitating the ubiquitination of one BTK molecule, the degrader is released and can engage another BTK molecule, repeating the cycle. Preclinical studies have quantified this efficiency, demonstrating that a single molecule of bexobrutideg can induce the degradation of approximately 10,000 copies of BTK protein per hour at clinically relevant concentrations.3
This catalytic efficiency, often referred to as "event-driven pharmacology," implies that potent and sustained pharmacodynamic effects (i.e., BTK protein knockdown) can be achieved and maintained even at relatively low intracellular drug concentrations and systemic exposures compared to what would be required for stoichiometric inhibitors.[1] This characteristic may contribute to an improved therapeutic index, potentially minimizing off-target effects and allowing for efficacy even if high trough concentrations are not continuously maintained. It also underpins its ability to exert effects in challenging pharmacokinetic environments like the CNS.
Pharmacodynamics:
Bexobrutideg exhibits potent and selective BTK degradation. In vitro, it induces BTK degradation with a DC50 (concentration required for 50% degradation) of less than 1 nM and achieves a maximum degradation (Dmax) of over 98%.12 Specifically in primary human B cells, the DC50 for BTK degradation is exceptionally low at 0.034 nM.12 This degradation is rapid and complete.10 Importantly, bexobrutideg demonstrates activity against various mutant forms of BTK, including those conferring resistance to covalent BTK inhibitors (e.g., C481S), and clinical responses have been observed in patients irrespective of BTK mutation status.4 The compound is described as a "highly selective" degrader of BTK, suggesting minimal impact on other cellular proteins.4
Pharmacokinetics (PK):
Bexobrutideg is designed for oral administration and is orally bioavailable.1 A significant PK attribute is its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Preclinical studies in rodents have confirmed CNS exposure, with an unbound brain-to-plasma partition coefficient (Kp,uu) consistent with CNS penetration.11 Clinically, bexobrutideg has been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with CNS-involved B-cell malignancies at concentrations that exceed the minimum free plasma levels associated with BTK degradation in vitro.13 This CNS penetration is achieved despite bexobrutideg possessing physicochemical properties (e.g., high molecular weight, high hydrogen bond donor count, high polar surface area) that would traditionally predict poor BBB permeability.13 This apparent paradox is likely resolved by its catalytic mechanism, allowing for pharmacodynamic effects at the low unbound drug concentrations achievable in the CNS. This capability to effectively target BTK within the CNS, despite not adhering to conventional CNS drug design rules, suggests that catalytic mechanisms like protein degradation could broaden the scope of "druggable" targets within the CNS.
Table 2: Pharmacological Profile of Bexobrutideg (NX-5948)
Pharmacological Aspect | Details | Significance | Source Snippet(s) |
---|---|---|---|
Drug Class | BTK Degrader, Targeted Protein Degrader (PROTAC®) | Novel therapeutic modality targeting BTK for elimination. | 1 |
Specific MoA | Bifunctional molecule; recruits BTK to CRBN E3 ligase complex, leading to ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of BTK. | Eliminates entire BTK protein, addressing kinase and scaffolding functions; overcomes certain inhibitor resistance mechanisms. | 10 |
Catalytic Efficiency | One bexobrutideg molecule degrades ~10,000 BTK copies/hour. Event-driven pharmacology. | Allows for efficacy at low drug concentrations, potentially improving safety and enabling sustained effect. | 1 |
Potency (BTK Degradation) | DC50 <1 nM (in vitro general); DC50 = 0.034 nM (primary human B cells); Dmax >98%. Sub-nanomolar potency for wild-type and mutant BTK. | Highly potent degradation of the target protein. | 11 |
Selectivity | Described as "highly selective" for BTK. | Minimizes potential off-target effects. | 4 |
Activity vs. Mutants | Effective against BTKi-resistant cell lines and degrades mutant BTK forms (e.g., C481S). Clinical responses independent of BTK mutation status. | Potential to treat patients who have developed resistance to conventional BTK inhibitors. | 4 |
Oral Bioavailability | Orally bioavailable. | Convenient route of administration. | 1 |
Brain/CSF Penetration | Crosses BBB; detected in patient CSF at active concentrations. Kp,uu consistent with CNS penetration. Achieved despite "unfavorable" physicochemical properties. | Potential for treating primary CNS lymphomas and CNS involvement of systemic B-cell malignancies. Redefines CNS drug design parameters. | 12 |
The preclinical evaluation of bexobrutideg has provided a robust foundation for its clinical development, demonstrating its potent mechanism of action, efficacy in relevant disease models, and unique pharmacokinetic properties.
In Vitro Studies:
Laboratory studies have consistently highlighted bexobrutideg's potent and rapid activity. It induces comprehensive degradation of BTK in primary human B cells with a DC50 of 0.034 nM.12 This high potency extends to various tumor cell lines, critically including those that have developed resistance to existing BTK inhibitor therapies, which underscores its potential utility in relapsed or refractory disease settings.4 The compound effectively degrades both wild-type BTK and clinically relevant mutant forms, such as the C481S mutation often responsible for covalent BTKi resistance.10 A key mechanistic finding from in vitro experiments is the calculation of its catalytic efficiency: a single molecule of bexobrutideg is capable of promoting the degradation of approximately 10,000 copies of BTK protein per hour when present at clinically relevant concentrations.3 This catalytic turnover is a fundamental differentiator from traditional inhibitors.
In Vivo Animal Models:
The promising in vitro activity of bexobrutideg has translated into significant efficacy in various animal models of disease.
In B-cell malignancy models, bexobrutideg has demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumor growth and improve survival in TMD8 xenograft mouse models, which represent a type of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.[12] Crucially, reflecting its designed brain-penetrant properties, bexobrutideg was shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and effectively degrade BTK within the intracranial environment. This translated to preclinical efficacy in mouse models of brain lymphoma, providing strong early validation for its potential in treating CNS lymphomas or CNS involvement of other B-cell cancers.[11] This early demonstration of CNS activity was a significant step, de-risking a challenging therapeutic area and likely influencing the inclusion of CNS lymphoma patients in early clinical trials.
In inflammatory condition models, bexobrutideg has also shown notable effects. In a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis, administration of bexobrutideg led to a reduction in inflammation and overall symptom severity.[12] Further mechanistic work, presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2024, detailed its capacity to achieve profound suppression of B-cell receptor (BCR), Toll-like receptor (TLR), and Fc receptor (FcR) signaling pathways in immune cells. These findings were accompanied by demonstrations of efficacy in preclinical models of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.[14] This broad immunomodulatory activity, extending beyond simple B-cell effects due to BTK's role in myeloid cells as well, supports the exploration of bexobrutideg in a range of autoimmune conditions.
Regarding CNS exposure and activity, preclinical studies in rodents confirmed dose-dependent brain exposure of bexobrutideg, with an unbound brain-to-plasma partition coefficient (Kp,uu) indicative of significant CNS penetration.[13] Data presented at AACR 2025 further emphasized the unique physicochemical properties of bexobrutideg that enable this CNS exposure, despite it not conforming to traditional predictive metrics for CNS drug candidates.[18]
The collective preclinical evidence, spanning in vitro potency, in vivo efficacy in cancer and inflammation models, and particularly the CNS activity, directly informed the strategic design of the first-in-human clinical trial program for bexobrutideg. The selection of diverse B-cell malignancies, including those with CNS involvement, for the initial clinical studies (NCT05131022) is a clear reflection of the strengths and unique attributes identified in these foundational preclinical investigations.[11]
Table 3: Overview of Key Preclinical Findings for Bexobrutideg (NX-5948)
Model Type | Specific Model/Cell Line | Key Findings | Significance | Source Snippet(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
In Vitro | Primary human B cells | Potent BTK degradation (DC50 = 0.034 nM). | Confirms high potency in target human cells. | 12 |
In Vitro | BTKi-resistant tumor cell lines | Effective against resistant lines. | Potential to overcome acquired resistance to current therapies. | 4 |
In Vitro | Wild-type and mutant BTK (e.g., C481S) | Degrades both forms. | Broad activity irrespective of common resistance mutations. | 10 |
In Vitro | Cellular assays | Catalytic efficiency: 1 molecule degrades ~10,000 BTK copies/hour. | Explains potency at low concentrations. | 3 |
In Vivo | TMD8 DLBCL xenograft mouse model | Inhibits tumor growth, increases survival. | Demonstrates anti-cancer efficacy in vivo. | 12 |
In Vivo | Mouse brain lymphoma models | Crosses BBB, degrades BTK intracranially, shows efficacy. | Strong rationale for treating CNS malignancies. | 11 |
In Vivo | Mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis | Reduces inflammation and symptom severity. | Supports potential in autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. | 12 |
In Vivo | Rodent models (PK studies) | Dose-dependent brain exposure; Kp,uu consistent with CNS penetration. | Confirms BBB permeability. | 13 |
Ex Vivo | Immune cells (preclinical inflammation models) | Deep suppression of BCR, TLR, and FcR signaling. | Broad immunomodulatory effects beyond B-cells. | 14 |
The clinical development of bexobrutideg is centered around the ongoing Phase 1a/1b trial, NCT05131022, which is systematically evaluating its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary efficacy across a range of B-cell malignancies.
Overview of the Phase 1a/1b Clinical Trial (NCT05131022):
The full title of this first-in-human study is "A Phase 1, Dose Escalation, and Cohort Expansion Study Evaluating NX-5948, a Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) Degrader, in Adults with Relapsed/Refractory B-cell Malignancies".19 It is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05131022 and EudraCT number 2021-003125-29.1
The study employs an open-label design and is structured in two main parts:
The trial is actively enrolling patients in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.[4] As of early 2025, the Phase 1a dose-escalation cohort for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) was reported as fully enrolled.[10] Phase 1b dose expansion cohorts, including those for CLL (at 200 mg and 600 mg daily doses) and Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM), are ongoing.[1]
Patient Populations and Studied Indications in NCT05131022:
The trial enrolls adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies who have received at least two prior lines of therapy and have measurable disease according to indication-specific criteria.11 Patients are required to have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-2.11
Specific indications being studied include:
Key exclusion criteria for the study include prior treatment with any BTK degrader, recent (within specified timeframes) radiotherapy, systemic chemotherapy, monoclonal antibody therapy, or other small molecule therapies. Limits are also placed on recent stem cell transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy, and use of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs. Patients with active, uncontrolled autoimmune hemolytic anemia or autoimmune thrombocytopenia, or active graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are also excluded.[11]
Expansion into Autoimmune Indications:
Nurix Therapeutics has outlined plans to extend the clinical investigation of bexobrutideg into autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This includes initiating clinical testing in autoimmune cytopenias, such as warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA), anticipated in 2025. This will initially be explored by adding a cohort for CLL patients with secondary autoimmune hemolytic anemia to the ongoing NCT05131022 trial.2 Furthermore, the company is considering filing a separate Investigational New Drug (IND) application for non-malignant hematology indications, specifically autoimmune cytopenias, in 2025.7 This strategic expansion into autoimmunity is a logical step, given the drug's mechanism and preclinical data, and the study in CLL patients with secondary AIHA offers an efficient way to obtain early human proof-of-concept within an existing trial framework.
Dosing Regimens Explored in NCT05131022:
Bexobrutideg is administered orally, once daily.4 In the Phase 1a dose-escalation portion for CLL/SLL, daily doses explored were 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 450 mg, and 600 mg.2 The Phase 1b dose expansion cohorts for CLL are proceeding with 200 mg and 600 mg daily doses.10 Similar dose ranges, up to 600 mg daily, have been tested in patients with WM.2
Clinical Efficacy (from NCT05131022):
Emerging data from the NCT05131022 trial have been presented at major hematology conferences, demonstrating promising anti-tumor activity.
Safety and Tolerability Profile (from NCT05131022):
Across the various patient populations and dose levels tested (50 mg to 600 mg daily), bexobrutideg has been generally well-tolerated.2
A key aspect of the safety profile, noted in earlier updates, was the apparent absence of atrial fibrillation or significant hypertension, which are known class-effects for some other BTK inhibitors.[4] The lack of DLTs in the CLL Phase 1a and the manageable nature of common TEAEs are crucial. If this favorable safety profile, particularly concerning cardiovascular events, is maintained in larger, longer-term studies, it could significantly broaden bexobrutideg's applicability, especially in elderly CLL patients with comorbidities.
Table 4: Clinical Trial NCT05131022 - Key Design Features
Feature | Details | Source Snippet(s) |
---|---|---|
Full Title | A Phase 1, Dose Escalation, and Cohort Expansion Study Evaluating NX-5948, a Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) Degrader, in Adults with Relapsed/Refractory B-cell Malignancies | 19 |
ClinicalTrials.gov ID | NCT05131022 | 1 |
EudraCT ID | 2021-003125-29 | 19 |
Phase | Phase 1a (Dose Escalation) / Phase 1b (Cohort Expansion) | 11 |
Design | Open-label, first-in-human, 3+3 dose escalation (Phase 1a) followed by cohort expansions (Phase 1b) | 11 |
Key Objectives (Phase 1a) | Evaluate safety and tolerability, identify DLTs, determine MTD and/or RP2D. | 11 (inferred) |
Key Objectives (Phase 1b) | Further evaluate longer-term safety, preliminary anti-tumor activity (ORR, DoR), PK, PD. | 1 (inferred) |
Main Patient Populations | Adults with r/r B-cell malignancies: CLL/SLL, WM, non-GCB DLBCL, FL, MCL, MZL, Primary/Secondary CNS Lymphoma. | 11 |
Investigated Dose Ranges | Oral, once daily. Phase 1a (CLL): 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 450 mg, 600 mg. Phase 1b (CLL): 200 mg and 600 mg. | 2 |
Key General Inclusion Criteria | Adults, ≥2 prior lines of therapy, measurable disease, ECOG PS 0-2. | 11 |
Key General Exclusion Criteria | Prior BTK degrader, recent specified anti-cancer therapies, certain corticosteroid use, active uncontrolled autoimmune cytopenias, active GVHD. | 11 |
Table 5: Summary of Clinical Efficacy of Bexobrutideg (NX-5948) in Relapsed/Refractory CLL/SLL (NCT05131022 - Phase 1a)
Efficacy Endpoint | Result (Data Cutoff: Jan 2, 2025) | Patient Details (n=47 evaluable) | Notes | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Response Rate (ORR) | 80.9% | Median 4 prior lines (range 2-12); 97.9% prior cBTKi, 83.3% prior BCL2i, 81.3% prior BTKi+BCL2i. | All responses were Partial Responses (PRs). | 10 |
Median Time to First Response | 1.9 months | (Range 1.6-11.1 months) | Responses were rapid. | 10 |
Median Duration of Response (DoR) | Not Reached | 13 patients >12 months on study; 5 patients >18 months on study. | Responses appear durable. | 10 |
Activity vs. High-Risk Features | Efficacy observed regardless of prior treatments, mutations in TP53, PLCG2, BCL2, BTK (kinase active/dead), or CNS involvement. | Broad activity in difficult-to-treat subgroups. | 10 |
Table 6: Summary of Clinical Efficacy of Bexobrutideg (NX-5948) in Relapsed/Refractory Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (NCT05131022)
Efficacy Endpoint | Result (Data from IWWM-12/ASH 2024) | Patient Details (n=9 evaluable) | Notes | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Response Rate (ORR) | 77.8% | Relapsed/refractory WM patients. | 2 | |
IgM Level Reduction | Steady decrease from week 8; 1 patient >90% reduction. | Increasing depth of response over time. | 22 |
Table 7: Summary of Common Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) with Bexobrutideg (NX-5948) in CLL Patients (NCT05131022 - Phase 1a, n=48)
Adverse Event | Any Grade (%) | Grade ≥3 (%) | SAEs (%) | Notes | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Purpura/Contusion | 41.7% | 0% | 0% | No DLTs. 1 patient discontinued due to a TEAE (not specified). One Grade 5 pulmonary embolism (unrelated). | 10 |
Fatigue | 31.3% | 0% | 0% | 10 | |
Neutropenia | 29.2% | 22.9% | Not specified | 10 | |
Rash | 29.2% | 2.1% | 2.1% | 10 | |
Diarrhea | 29.2% | 4.2% | Not specified | 10 | |
Petechiae | 25.0% | 0% | 0% | 10 |
Bexobrutideg has achieved several important regulatory milestones that underscore its potential clinical significance and aim to facilitate its development and review process. These designations from key health authorities highlight the recognized unmet medical need in the targeted patient populations.
Nonproprietary Name Assignment:
In March 2025, the investigational compound NX-5948 was assigned the nonproprietary name bexobrutideg by the United States Adopted Name (USAN) Council.1 A particularly notable aspect of this assignment was the designation of the new suffix "-deg". This suffix was specifically created to identify bexobrutideg and future similar agents as belonging to the novel pharmacological class of targeted protein degraders, thereby formally acknowledging their distinct mechanism of action compared to traditional inhibitors or other therapeutic modalities.1 This action by a national naming authority is a significant step in establishing targeted protein degradation as a recognized and distinct therapeutic strategy, which can aid in clear communication among healthcare professionals and standardize the field.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Designations:
Bexobrutideg has received multiple special designations from the U.S. FDA:
European Medicines Agency (EMA) Designations:
The combination of these regulatory designations (Orphan Drug, multiple Fast Tracks, and PRIME) from both U.S. and European authorities provides strong validation for bexobrutideg's development program. It signals a recognition by regulatory bodies of the drug's promising early clinical data and its potential to offer a significant therapeutic advancement for patients with serious, life-threatening conditions where current treatment options are limited or insufficient. Nurix's regulatory strategy appears well-aligned with targeting these areas of high unmet need, thereby maximizing the potential impact of bexobrutideg and leveraging pathways designed to expedite the availability of promising new medicines.
Table 8: Timeline of Key Regulatory Designations for Bexobrutideg (NX-5948)
Date (Approx.) | Regulatory Body/Authority | Designation/Milestone | Indication(s) | Key Implications | Source Snippet(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | U.S. FDA | Fast Track Designation | Relapsed/Refractory CLL/SLL (adults, after ≥2 lines including BTKi & BCL2i) | Facilitated development, potential for Accelerated Approval/Priority Review. | 2 |
2024 | U.S. FDA | Fast Track Designation | Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) | Facilitated development, potential for Accelerated Approval/Priority Review. | 2 |
2024 | European Medicines Agency (EMA) | PRIME Designation | Relapsed/Refractory CLL/SLL (after BTKi & BCL2i) | Enhanced regulatory support, potential for accelerated assessment. | 2 |
March 2025 | United States Adopted Name (USAN) Council | Nonproprietary name "bexobrutideg" assigned; new "-deg" suffix created | N/A (General Classification) | Formal recognition as a new class of targeted protein degraders. | 1 |
March 2025 | U.S. FDA | Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) | Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) | Market exclusivity (if approved), fee waivers, tax credits. Addresses unmet need in a rare disease. | 1 |
The evolving scientific understanding and clinical data for bexobrutideg (NX-5948) have been consistently disseminated through presentations at major international scientific conferences and are beginning to be reflected in the broader scientific literature. These communications trace the journey of bexobrutideg from a preclinical concept to a promising clinical-stage therapeutic.
American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meetings:
European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress:
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting:
International Workshop on Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (IWWM):
American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence:
TPD & Induced Proximity Summit:
Journal Publications:
While full peer-reviewed publications of the NCT05131022 clinical trial results are typically anticipated as cohorts mature and the trial progresses, the foundational science and trials-in-progress have been referenced in reviews and earlier preclinical disclosures. For example, a 2025 review in Cancers by Wang et al. discusses BTK protein degraders as an exciting drug class for CLL, highlighting the unmet need.9 Earlier preclinical work by Noviski et al. and Robbins et al. 11 laid the groundwork for the current clinical studies.
The consistent presentation of evolving data at these high-profile scientific meetings demonstrates a strategic approach by Nurix Therapeutics to build a comprehensive and cohesive scientific narrative around bexobrutideg. The focus on its differentiated efficacy in resistant populations, unique CNS activity, and the catalytic nature of its mechanism of action has been a common thread, educating the scientific community on its potential advantages.
Bexobrutideg (NX-5948) is poised for significant advancements in its clinical development program, with plans to move into later-stage trials for its lead indications and expand into new therapeutic areas. Its unique profile suggests considerable potential to address unmet medical needs in hematologic malignancies and inflammatory diseases.
Pivotal Clinical Trials:
Nurix Therapeutics has announced plans to initiate a suite of pivotal clinical trials for bexobrutideg in 2025. These trials are intended to support global registration for the treatment of patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).2 For Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM), the company expects to complete the ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial cohort, determine the appropriate Phase 2 dose(s), and continue to explore optimal regulatory pathways for this indication.2
Further Exploration in Other B-cell Malignancies:
Evaluation of bexobrutideg in other B-cell malignancies included in the NCT05131022 study—such as non-GCB Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), Follicular Lymphoma (FL), Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL), and particularly Primary/Secondary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma—is expected to continue. Further clinical updates for these populations are anticipated in 2025.7
Expansion into Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases:
A key area for future development is the expansion of bexobrutideg into inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, leveraging its potent BTK degradation and broad immunomodulatory effects. Nurix plans a sequenced, multi-organ system approach for this expansion.2 A new Phase 1b cohort within the NCT05131022 trial is expected to open for patients with CLL who also have associated autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).2 Additionally, the company is exploring the filing of a new Investigational New Drug (IND) application in 2025 specifically for non-malignant hematology indications, such as autoimmune cytopenias (e.g., warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia - wAIHA).2 The strong preclinical data showing efficacy in arthritis models and suppression of key immune signaling pathways (BCR, TLR, FcR) provide a solid rationale for this strategic diversification.12
Potential Advantages Over Existing BTK Inhibitors:
Bexobrutideg's distinct mechanism and properties offer several potential advantages over currently available BTK inhibitors:
Unmet Needs Addressed by Bexobrutideg:
The development of bexobrutideg is targeted at several patient populations with significant unmet medical needs:
If the promising early clinical signals are borne out in pivotal trials, bexobrutideg has the potential to reshape treatment paradigms. For instance, in heavily pretreated r/r CLL or in cases of CNS lymphoma, an effective and well-tolerated oral degrader could become a new standard of care, potentially altering treatment sequencing and reducing reliance on more toxic or complex therapies. The success of bexobrutideg would also serve as a significant validation for Nurix Therapeutics' DELigase™ and DEL-AI drug discovery platforms, bolstering confidence in their ability to generate further novel protein degraders for various diseases. While current data focuses on monotherapy, the unique mechanism and potentially favorable safety profile of bexobrutideg could also position it as an attractive candidate for future combination therapies with other anti-cancer agents to achieve even deeper and more durable remissions.
Bexobrutideg (NX-5948) has emerged as a highly promising, orally bioavailable, brain-penetrant Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) degrader with a distinct catalytic mechanism of action. Developed by Nurix Therapeutics, this investigational agent represents a significant advancement in the field of targeted protein degradation. Its ability to induce the complete elimination of both wild-type and mutant BTK protein offers a compelling strategy to overcome known resistance mechanisms that limit the efficacy of traditional BTK inhibitors, including those related to kinase domain mutations and scaffolding functions of the BTK protein.
Preclinical studies have robustly demonstrated its potent BTK degradation, efficacy in various B-cell malignancy models (including those with CNS involvement), and promising activity in models of inflammatory disease. These findings have been translated into a comprehensive clinical development program, primarily centered around the Phase 1a/1b trial (NCT05131022). Early clinical data from this trial have been encouraging, showing substantial objective response rates and durable responses in heavily pre-treated patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM). Notably, responses in CLL have been observed irrespective of prior therapies or high-risk genetic features.
A key differentiating characteristic of bexobrutideg is its demonstrated CNS penetration and clinical activity in patients with CNS-involved B-cell malignancies, addressing a critical unmet medical need. Furthermore, the safety profile observed to date appears manageable and potentially differentiated from some existing BTK inhibitors, particularly concerning cardiovascular adverse events, although this requires confirmation in larger and longer-term studies.
The achievement of multiple favorable regulatory designations from the FDA (Orphan Drug Designation, Fast Track) and EMA (PRIME) underscores the potential of bexobrutideg to provide a significant therapeutic benefit in indications with limited treatment options. The assignment of the "-deg" suffix by the USAN Council formally recognizes its novel mode of action and establishes targeted protein degraders as a distinct pharmacological class.
Looking ahead, pivotal trials for CLL are planned for 2025, and development in WM and other B-cell malignancies continues. The planned expansion into autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, supported by strong preclinical rationale, could further broaden its therapeutic utility. If the efficacy and safety demonstrated in early trials are confirmed in these later-stage studies, bexobrutideg has the potential to become a cornerstone therapy for a range of B-cell cancers, particularly in resistant or CNS-involved settings, and may offer a novel therapeutic option for certain inflammatory conditions. Its progress represents not only a significant step for this specific molecule but also a validation of the broader potential of targeted protein degradation as a transformative therapeutic strategy.
Published at: June 3, 2025
This report is continuously updated as new research emerges.
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