MSC2530818 binds to CDK8 and CDK19 with a similar affinity (4 nM). Potent inhibition of phospho-STAT1SER727, an established biomarker of CDK8 activity, in SW620 human colorectal carcinoma cells is also observed (pSTAT1SER727 IC50=8±2 nM). MSC2530818 demonstrates potent inhibition of WNT-dependent transcription in human cancer cell lines that have constitutively activated WNT signaling. For example, MSC2530818 inhibits the reporter-based luciferase readout in several cell lines bearing activating WNT-pathway mutations; LS174T (β-catenin mutant, IC50=32±7 nM), COLO205 (APC mutant, IC50=9±1 nM) and demonstrates inhibition of WNT3a ligand-dependent reporter readout in PA-1 cells (IC50=52±30 nM). Furthermore, MSC2530818 is a low efflux ratio in Caco-2 cells and does not inhibit any cytochrome P450 subtypes.

Tumor-bearing mice treated with MSC2530818 shows a reduction in tumor growth with T/C ratios (based on final tumor weights) of 49% and 57%, respectively. MSC2530818 is generally well tolerated, with no effects on mouse body weight in the qd administration schedule and manageable body weight loss. The human clearance and volume of distribution at steady-state are estimated to be low (0.14 L/h/kg) and small (0.48 L/kg), respectively, resulting in a short predicted terminal half-life (2.4 h). Physiologically based pharmacokinetics simulations suggested that human oral bioavailability maybe ≥75% up to a dose level of 500 mg daily.