DP018

DP018 is a non-covalent small molecule inhibitor of Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), developed using the RiDYMO reinforced dynamics platform by DP Technology. It was identified through high-throughput virtual screening targeting cryptic, druggable pockets on GPX4 revealed by advanced molecular dynamics simulations. In preclinical studies, DP018 demonstrated micromolar-level inhibition of GPX4 enzymatic activity, comparable to established covalent inhibitors such as ML162. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) confirmed direct binding to GPX4 with micromolar affinity, and cellular assays showed that DP018 effectively induces ferroptosis—a form of regulated cell death dependent on iron and characterized by lipid peroxidation—in cells. This mechanism positions DP018 as a potential candidate for cancer therapy or other diseases where ferroptosis induction is therapeutically beneficial[8].