Therapeutic
reactivation of the γ-globin genes for fetal
hemoglobin (HbF) production is an attractive strategy for treating
β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. It was reported that
genetic knockdown of the histone lysine methyltransferase EHMT2/1
(G9a/GLP) is sufficient to induce HbF production. The aim of the present
work was to acquire a G9a/GLP inhibitor that induces HbF production
sufficiently. It was revealed that tetrahydroazepine has versatility
as a side chain in various skeletons. We ultimately obtained a promising
aminoindole derivative (DS79932728), a potent and orally bioavailable
G9a/GLP inhibitor that was found to induce γ-globin production
in a phlebotomized cynomolgus monkey model. This work could facilitate
the development of effective new approaches for treating β-thalassemia
and sickle cell disease.