Search

The ability of various pyrrolobenzodiazepine(PBD)-containing cytotoxic compounds to function as hypoxia-activated prodrugs was assessed. These molecules incorporated a 1-methyl-2-nitro-1 H -imidazole hypoxia-activated trigger (present in the clinically evaluated compound TH-302) in a manner that masked a reactive imine moiety required for cytotoxic activity. Incubation of the prodrugs with cytochrome P450-reductase under normoxic and hypoxic conditions revealed that some, but not all, were efficient substrates for the enzyme. In these experiments, prodrugs derived from PBD-monomers underwent rapid conversion to the parent cytotoxic compounds under low-oxygen conditions while related PBD-dimers did not. The ability of a given prodrug to function as an efficient cytochrome P450-reductase substrate correlated with the ratio of cytotoxic potencies measured for the compound against NCI460 cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Features from a high throughput screening (HTS) hit and a previously reported scaffold were combined to generate 1,7-naphthyridones as novel KDM5 enzyme inhibitors with nanomolar potencies. These molecules exhibited high selectivity over the related KDM4C and KDM2B isoforms. An X-ray co-crystal structure of a representative molecule bound to KDM5A showed that these inhibitors are competitive with the co-substrate (2-oxoglutarate or 2-OG). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization of 5-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-2-mercaptocyclohex-2-enone using structure-based design strategies resulted in inhibitors with considerable improvement in biochemical potency against human lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). These potent inhibitors were typically selective for LDHA over LDHB isoform (4–10 fold) and other structurally related malate dehydrogenases, MDH1 and MDH2 (>500 fold). An X-ray crystal structure of enzymatically most potent molecule bound to LDHA revealed two additional interactions associated with enhanced biochemical potency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 3,6-disubstituted dihydropyrones were identified as inhibitors of human lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-A. Structure activity relationships were explored and a series of 6,6-spiro analogs led to improvements in LDHA potency (IC 50 <350 nM). An X-ray crystal structure of an improved compound bound to human LDHA was obtained and it illustrated additional opportunities to enhance the potency of these compounds, resulting in the identification of 51 (IC 50 = 30 nM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The fragment-based identification of two novel and potent biochemical inhibitors of the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) enzyme is described. These compounds (51 and 63) incorporate an amide moiety derived from 3-aminopyridine, and are thus structurally distinct from other known anti-NAMPT agents. Each exhibits potent inhibition of NAMPT biochemical activity (IC50 =19 and 15nM, respectively) as well as robust antiproliferative properties in A2780 cell culture experiments (IC50 =121 and 99nM, respectively). However, additional biological studies indicate that only inhibitor 51 exerts its A2780 cell culture effects via a NAMPT-mediated mechanism. The crystal structures of both 51 and 63 in complex with NAMPT are also independently described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A 2-amino-5-aryl-pyrazine was identified as an inhibitor of human lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) via a biochemical screening campaign. Biochemical and biophysical experiments demonstrated that the compound specifically interacted with human LDHA. Structural variation of the screening hit resulted in improvements in LDHA biochemical inhibition and pharmacokinetic properties. A crystal structure of an improved compound bound to human LDHA was also obtained and it explained many of the observed structure–activity relationships. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Potent nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitors containing 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridine-derived ureas were identified using structure-based design techniques. The new compounds displayed improved aqueous solubilities, determined using a high-throughput solubility assessment, relative to previously disclosed urea and amide-containing NAMPT inhibitors. An optimized 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridine-derived compound exhibited potent anti-NAMPT activity (18; BC NAMPT IC50 =11nM; PC-3 antiproliferative IC50 =36nM), satisfactory mouse PK properties, and was efficacious in a PC-3 mouse xenograft model. The crystal structure of another optimized compound (29; NAMPT IC50 =10nM; A2780 antiproliferative IC50 =7nM) in complex with the NAMPT protein was also determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel 2-thio-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-containing inhibitor of human lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was identified by high-throughput screening (IC50 =8.1μM). Biochemical, surface plasmon resonance, and saturation transfer difference NMR experiments indicated that the compound specifically associated with human LDHA in a manner that required simultaneous binding of the NADH co-factor. Structural variation of the screening hit resulted in significant improvements in LDHA biochemical inhibition activity (best IC50 =0.48μM). A crystal structure of an optimized compound bound to human LDHA was obtained and explained many of the observed structure–activity relationships. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Herein we describe our successful efforts in obtaining C-2 substituted imidazo-pyrrolopyridines with improved JAK1 selectivity relative to JAK2 by targeting an amino acid residue that differs between the two isoforms (JAK1: E966; JAK2: D939). Efforts to improve cellular potency by reducing the polarity of the inhibitors are also detailed. The X-ray crystal structure of a representative inhibitor in complex with the JAK1 enzyme is also disclosed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A 4-step synthesis of an optically active synthetic intermediate [(1R,2S)-2-(4′-fluorobenzylamino)cyclopentanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester complex with (S)-(+)-mandelic acid; compound 12, >99% de] required for the preparation of a promising HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor is reported. This process utilizes mandelic acid as a resolving agent, which can be recovered in good yield by a simple extraction. An optimized version of the chemistry described avoids the use of chromatographic purifications making it suitable for large-scale applications. In addition, the straightforward conversion of compound 12 to enantiomerically pure (1R,2S)-2-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester and the corresponding Boc and Cbz derivatives is reported. The preparation of the enantiomer of 12 (compound 15) in enantiomerically pure form and the conversion of this entity to (1S,2R)-2-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester and the corresponding Boc and Cbz derivatives is also described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The synthesis of 4-(1′,1′-dioxo-1′,4′-dihydro-1′λ6-benzo[1′,2′,4′]thiadiazin-3′-yl)-5-hydroxy-2H-pyridazin-3-ones bearing 6-amino substituents as potent inhibitors of the HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (NS5B) is described. Several of these agents also display potent antiviral activity in cell culture experiments (EC50 <0.10μM). In vitro DMPK data (microsome t 1/2, Caco-2 P app) for many of the compounds are also disclosed, and a crystal structure of a representative inhibitor complexed with the NS5B protein is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A general procedure is described for the preparation of 6-substituted-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-pyridazine-4-carboxylic acid ethyl esters (6-substituted-5-hydroxy-3(2H)-pyridazinone-4-carboxylic acid ethyl esters). These compounds are shown to undergo selective alkylation at the 2-position in moderate to good yields (19–77%) to afford 2,6-disubstituted-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-pyridazine-4-carboxylic acid ethyl esters (2,6-disubstituted-5-hydroxy-3(2H)-pyridazinone-4-carboxylic acid ethyl esters). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A general procedure is described for the regiospecific preparation of 1-substituted-5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazoles containing differentiated ester moieties at the 3- and 4-positions. This process involves the coupling of monosubstituted benzyl carbazates with various malonyl chlorides or acids, deprotection of the coupling products via catalytic hydrogenation, and subsequent derivatization of the resulting hydrazides with monoalkyl oxalyl chlorides. The 5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazoles are readily transformed to the corresponding trifluoromethane sulfonates, which undergo palladium-mediated Suzuki coupling with a variety of boronic acids (aryl, heteroaryl, and alkenyl) in moderate to excellent yields (24–92%). The ester groups present in one of the resulting 1,5-disubstituted-1H-pyrazoles are further modified by selective hydrolysis or conversion to the corresponding dicarboxylic acid derivative followed by selective mono-esterification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The structure-based design, chemical synthesis, and biological evaluation of bicyclic 2-pyridone-containing human rhinovirus (HRV) 3C protease (3CP) inhibitors are described. An optimized compound is shown to exhibit antiviral activity when tested against a variety of HRV serotypes (EC50''s ranging from 0.037 to 0.162 μM). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chimeric molecules which effect intracellular degradation of target proteins via E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitination (e.g., PROTACs) are currently of high interest in medicinal chemistry. However, these entities are relatively large compounds that often possess molecular characteristics which may compromise oral bioavailability, solubility, and/or in vivo pharmacokinetic properties. Accordingly, we explored whether conjugation of chimeric degraders to monoclonal antibodies using technologies originally developed for cytotoxic payloads might provide alternate delivery options for these novel agents. In this report we describe the construction of several degrader-antibody conjugates comprised of two distinct ERα-targeting degrader entities and three independent ADC linker modalities. We subsequently demonstrate the antigen-dependent delivery to MCF7-neo/HER2 cells of the degrader payloads that are incorporated into these conjugates. We also provide evidence for efficient intracellular degrader release from one of the employed linkers. In addition, preliminary data are described which suggest that reasonably favorable in vivo stability properties are associated with the linkers utilized to construct the degrader conjugates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 5-Hydroxy-3(2H)-pyridazinone derivatives were investigated as inhibitors of genotype 1 HCV NS5B polymerase. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) associated with variation of the pyridazinone 2- and 6-substituents is discussed. The synthesis and metabolic stability of this new class of compounds are also described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

NAD is a metabolite that is an important cofactor and second messenger for a number of cellular processes such as genomic stability and metabolism that are essential for survival. NAD is generated de novo from tryptophan or recycled from NAM through the NAMPT-dependent salvage pathway. Alternatively, cells can convert NA to NAD through the NAPRT1-dependent salvage pathway. Tumor cells rapidly turn over NAD but do not efficiently utilize the de novo synthesis pathway. Hence, they are more reliant on the NAMPT salvage pathway for NAD regeneration making this enzyme an attractive therapeutic target for cancer. NAMPT is over-expressed in a number of cancer types such as colorectal, ovarian, breast, gastric, prostate, gliomas as well as B-cell lymphomas. A number of novel, potent and selective NAMPT small molecule inhibitors have been synthesized to date that have displayed robust anti-tumor activity in tumor models in vitro and in vivo . These inhibitors efficiently suppress NAD production in a time dependent manner and sustained reduction of NAD levels leads to loss of ATP and ultimately cell death. This review will summarize the chemical properties of these unique NAMPT inhibitors as well as their mechanism of action, pharmacodynamic activity and efficacy in tumor models in vitro and in vivo . An overview of biomarkers that predict response to treatment and mechanisms of resistance to NAMPT inhibitors will also be provided. Additionally, NAMPT inhibitors that have advanced into clinical trials will be reviewed along with experimental strategies tested to potentially increase the therapeutic index of these inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A co-crystal structure of amide-containing compound (4) in complex with the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) protein and molecular modeling were utilized to design and discover a potent novel cyanoguanidine-containing inhibitor bearing a sulfone moiety (5, Nampt Biochemical IC50 =2.5nM, A2780 cell proliferation IC50 =9.7nM). Further SAR exploration identified several additional cyanoguanidine-containing compounds with high potency and good microsomal stability. Among these, compound 15 was selected for in vivo profiling and demonstrated good oral exposure in mice. It also exhibited excellent in vivo antitumor efficacy when dosed orally in an A2780 ovarian tumor xenograft model. The co-crystal structure of this compound in complex with the NAMPT protein was also determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a metabolite essential for cell survival and generated from de novo tryptophan or recycled from nicotinamide (NAM) through the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT)-dependent salvage pathway. Alternatively, nicotinic acid (NA) is metabolized to NAD through the nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase domain containing 1 (NAPRT1)-dependent salvage pathway. Tumor cells are more reliant on the NAMPT salvage pathway making this enzyme an attractive therapeutic target. Moreover, the therapeutic index of NAMPT inhibitors may be increased by in NAPRT-deficient tumors by NA supplementation as normal tissues may regenerate NAD through NAPRT1. To confirm the latter, we tested novel NAMPT inhibitors, GNE-617 and GNE-618, in cell culture- and patient-derived tumor models. While NA did not protect NAPRT1deficient tumor cell lines from NAMPT inhibition, it rescued efficacy of GNE-617 and GNE-618 in cell in vitro culture- and patient-derived tumor xenografts . NA co-treatment increased NAD and NAM levels in in vivo NAPRT1-deficient tumors to levels that sustained growth . Furthermore, NAM co-administration with in vivo GNE-617 led to increased tumor NAD levels and rescued efficacy as well. Importantly, tumor xenografts in vivo remained NAPRT1-deficient in the presence of NA, indicating that the NAPRT1-dependent pathway is not reactivated. Protection of NAPRT1-deficient tumors may be due to increased circulating levels of metabolites in vivo generated by mouse liver, in response to NA or through competitive reactivation of NAMPT by NAM. Our results have important implications for the development of NAMPT inhibitors when considering NA co-treatment as a rescue strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel series of non-nucleoside small molecules containing a tricyclic dihydropyridinone structural motif was identified as potent HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors. Driven by structure-based design and building on our previous efforts in related series of molecules, we undertook extensive SAR studies, in which we identified a number of metabolically stable and very potent compounds in genotype 1a and 1b replicon assays. This work culminated in the discovery of several inhibitors, which combined potent in vitro antiviral activity against both 1a and 1b genotypes, metabolic stability, good oral bioavailability, and high C 12 (PO)/EC50 ratios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Structure-based design was utilized to optimize 6,6-diaryl substituted dihydropyrone and hydroxylactam to obtain inhibitors of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) with low nanomolar biochemical and single-digit micromolar cellular potencies. Surprisingly the replacement of a phenyl with a pyridyl moiety in the chemical structure revealed a new binding mode for the inhibitors with subtle conformational change of the LDHA active site. This led to the identification of a potent, cell-active hydroxylactam inhibitor exhibiting an in vivo pharmacokinetic profile suitable for mouse tumor xenograft study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 5,6-Dihydro-1H-pyridin-2-one analogs were discovered as a novel class of inhibitors of genotype 1 HCV NS5B polymerase. Among these, compound 4ad displayed potent inhibitory activities in biochemical and replicon assays (IC50 (1b)<10nM; IC50 (1a)<25nM, EC50 (1b)=16nM), good in vitro DMPK properties, as well as moderate oral bioavailability in monkeys (F =24%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 4-(1,1-Dioxo-1,4-dihydro-1λ6-benzo[1,4]thiazin-3-yl)-5-hydroxy-2H-pyridazin-3-one analogs were discovered as a novel class of inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase. Structure-based design led to the identification of compound 3a that displayed potent inhibitory activities in biochemical and replicon assays (1b IC50 <10 nM; 1b EC50 =1.1nM) as well as good stability toward human liver microsomes (HLM t 1/2 >60min). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazin-2-one analogs were discovered as a novel class of inhibitors of genotype 1 HCV NS5B polymerase. Structure-based design led to the discovery of compound 3k, which displayed potent inhibitory activities in biochemical and replicon assays (IC50 (1b)<10nM; EC50 (1b)=12nM) as well as good stability towards human liver microsomes (HLM t 1/2 >60min). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 5-Hydroxy-3(2H)-pyridazinone derivatives were investigated as inhibitors of genotype 1 HCV NS5B polymerase. Lead optimization led to the discovery of compound 3a, which displayed potent inhibitory activities in biochemical and replicon assays [IC50 (1b)<10nM; IC50 (1a)=22nM; EC50 (1b)=5nM], good stability toward human liver microsomes (HLM t 1/2 >60min), and high ratios of liver to plasma concentrations 12h after a single oral administration to rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 5-Hydroxy-3(2H)-pyridazinone derivatives were investigated as inhibitors of genotype 1 HCV NS5B polymerase. The synthesis, structure–activity relationships (SAR), metabolic stability, and structure-based design approach for this new class of compounds are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Human rhinoviruses (HRV), the predominant members of the Picornaviridae family of positive-strand RNA viruses, are the major causative agents of the common cold. Given the lack of effective treatments for rhinoviral infections, virally encoded proteins have become attractive therapeutic targets. The HRV genome encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) denoted 3Dpol, which is responsible for replicating the viral genome and for synthesizing a protein primer used in the replication. Here the crystal structures for three viral serotypes (1B, 14, and 16) of HRV 3Dpol have been determined. The three structures are very similar to one another, and to the closely related poliovirus (PV) 3Dpol enzyme. Because the reported PV crystal structure shows significant disorder, HRV 3Dpol provides the first complete view of a picornaviral RdRp. The folding topology of HRV 3Dpol also resembles that of RdRps from hepatitis C virus (HCV) and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) despite very low sequence homology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]