OTSSP167, also known as OTS167, is an orally available inhibitor of maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration, OTS167 binds to MELK, which prevents both MELK phosphorylation and activation; thus inhibiting the phosphorylation of downstream MELK substrates. This may lead to an inhibition of both cell proliferation and survival in MELK-expressing tumor cells.
OTSSP167 (hydrochloride) is a highly potent MELK inhibitor with IC50 value of 0.41 nM.