Deciphering the Medicinal Chemistry Aspects of Akt Inhibitors for the Management of Cancer: Structure–Activity Relationship Frameworks, Landscapes, and Optimization Approaches

Abstract

The Akt pathway is dysregulated in cancer, leading to proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and metastasis, and hence is a major therapeutic target in cancer treatment. Over the past two decades, substantial advances have been made in the design of potent, selective, and pharmacokinetically optimized Akt inhibitors. This review analyzes recent Akt inhibitors, with particular focus on the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of their heterocyclic core scaffolds and the resulting biological activity. Additional strategies identified in this review that have yielded promising preclinical and clinical candidates include scaffold optimization, conformational restriction, and hybrid design. Special emphasis is given to advanced inhibitors such as capivasertib, ipatasertib, and NTQ1062, which illustrate the influence of pharmacophoric refinement on therapeutic success. In this review, we integrate knowledge of medicinal chemistry and structure to direct the rational design of next generation Akt inhibitors that are safer and more effective for targeted cancer therapy.