Evolving CRBN Ligands Enhance the Drug-Like Properties of Protein Degraders
July 2026
in “
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry
”
TLDR Improved CRBN ligands make protein degraders more effective and drug-like.
This review discusses the evolution of Cereblon (CRBN) ligands to enhance the drug-like properties of proteolysis-targeting chimaeras (PROTACs), which are used for targeted protein degradation. Early CRBN ligands faced challenges such as suboptimal pharmacokinetics and off-target effects. The review highlights advancements in CRBN ligand design, including non-IMiD scaffolds, tricyclic and spirocyclic ligands, and stimuli-responsive designs, which have improved the clinical viability of these degraders. The paper also addresses the expanding use of novel CRBN ligands in molecular glue degrader development and outlines future challenges and directions for achieving selective and durable CRBN-mediated protein degradation.