BBB-Permeable PROTACs: Where Do We Stand?

The development of CNS-active PROTACs is limited by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). This Microperspective briefly reviews BBB physiology and critically evaluates current in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models used to assess brain penetration. These considerations enable a unified analysis of the 30 published 30 CNS-targeted degraders compiled here for the first time, highlighting the lack of a consistent design strategy and offering perspectives for future programs.

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Publication Details

Journal
ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters
Published
2026-03-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5c00768
Primary Topic
Protein Degradation and Inhibitors
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

BBB-Permeable PROTACs: Where Do We Stand?

Giulia Apprato, Giulia Caron, Serena Francisco, Matteo Rossi Sebastiano
ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters
Protein Degradation and Inhibitors
article

BBB-Permeable PROTACs: Where Do We Stand?

Giulia Apprato, Giulia Caron, Serena Francisco, Matteo Rossi Sebastiano
article en

Abstract

The development of CNS-active PROTACs is limited by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). This Microperspective briefly reviews BBB physiology and critically evaluates current in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models used to assess brain penetration. These considerations enable a unified analysis of the 30 published 30 CNS-targeted degraders compiled here for the first time, highlighting the lack of a consistent design strategy and offering perspectives for future programs.

ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters
University of Turin (IT)
Climate action
Openalex Percentile: Top 33%
Protein Degradation and Inhibitors
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