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In an attempt to increase selectivity vs Cathepsin D (CatD) in our BACE1 program, a series of 1,3,4,4a,10,10a-hexahydropyrano[4,3-b]chromene analogues was developed. Three different Asp-binding moieties were examined: spirocyclic acyl guanidines, aminooxazolines, and aminothiazolines in order to modulate potency, selectivity, efflux, and permeability. Using structure-based design, substitutions to improve binding to both the S3 and S2' sites of BACE1 were explored. An acyl guanidine moiety provided the most potent analogues. These compounds demonstrated 10-420 fold selectivity for BACE1 vs CatD, and were highly potent in a cell assay measuring Aβ1-40 production (5-99 nM). They also suffered from high efflux. Despite this undesirable property, two of the acyl guanidines achieved free brain concentrations (Cfree,brain) in a guinea pig PD model sufficient to cover their cell IC50s. Moreover, a significant reduction of Aβ1-40 in guinea pig, rat, and cyno CSF (58%, 53%, and 63%, respectively) was observed for compound 62.

The bradykinin B1 receptor is induced following tissue injury and/or inflammation. Antagonists of this receptor have been studied as promising candidates for treatment of chronic pain. We have identified aryl sulfonamides containing a chiral chroman diamine moiety that are potent antagonists of the human B1 receptor. Our previously communicated lead, compound 2, served as a proof-of-concept molecule, but suffered from poor pharmacokinetic properties. With guidance from metabolic profiling, we performed structure-activity relationship studies and have identified potent analogs of 2. Variation of the sulfonamide moiety revealed a preference for 3- and 3,4-disubstituted aryl sulfonamides, while bulky secondary and tertiary amines were preferred at the benzylic amine position for potency at the B1 receptor. Modifying the beta-amino acid core of the molecule lead to the discovery of highly potent compounds with improved in vitro pharmacokinetic properties. The most potent analog at the human receptor, compound 38, was also active in a rabbit B1 receptor cellular assay. Furthermore, compound 38 displayed in vivo activity in two rabbit models, a pharmacodynamic model with a blood pressure readout and an efficacy model of inflammatory pain.

The first total synthesis of the calicheamicin γ 1 I oligosaccharide fragment in the form of its methyl glycoside (62) has been achieved. The synthetic challenge of the B-ring was recognized and studied initially, resulting in a novel and unique solution to the stereochemical problems posed involving a [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of an allylic thionoimidazolide (111). This chemistry was initially worked out on a model for the ABC-ring system (47) and then successfully applied to the real system. The success of this synthesis has enabled the completion of the first synthesis of the natural product itself, calicheamicin γ 1 I (I), as will be described in the following papers in this issue