Hydrazonylthiazole Derivatives as Dual EGFR and ALR2 Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, and Comprehensive In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation for Potential Anticancer Activity

Background/Objectives: Signaling imbalances involving epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and aldose reductase (ALR2) are frequently associated with the biology of several solid tumors, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast cancer. This work sought to prepare and investigate a small set of hydrazonylthiazole derivatives as potential modulators of both targets with relevance to cancer therapy. Methods: Thirteen compounds (1–13) were synthesized and examined for their effects on A549 (NSCLC), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and Jurkat leukemia cells, together with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to determine selectivity. The most active molecules were further analyzed through apoptosis studies, EGFR and ALR2 inhibition assays, docking calculations, and 200 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. SwissADME was used to estimate pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness features. Results: Among all derivatives, compound 13, prepared here for the first time, showed the strongest activity on A549 and MCF-7 cells (IC50: 1.33 ± 0.41 µM; 1.74 ± 0.38 µM) and displayed a very high selectivity index (SI = 138.9). It also triggered apoptosis in A549 cells and reduced EGFR activity by 74% at 10 µM. In contrast, compound 5 acted as the most efficient ALR2 blocker (KI = 0.08 ± 0.01 µM). MD simulations showed that both compounds maintained stable contact patterns with essential residues in the EGFR and ALR2 binding pockets. SwissADME analysis suggested suitable oral absorption and drug-likeness for both molecules. Conclusions: Compound 13 behaves as a selective EGFR-directed agent capable of inducing apoptotic cell death in NSCLC, while compound 5 shows strong affinity toward ALR2. These outcomes indicate that both structures may serve as useful starting points for further development of small molecules acting on EGFR- and ALR2-related pathways. © 2025 by the authors.