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This letter describes progress towards an M4 PAM preclinical candidate inspired by an unexpected aldehyde oxidase (AO) metabolite of a novel, CNS penetrant thieno[2,3-c]pyridine core to an equipotent, non-CNS penetrant thieno[2,3-c]pyrdin-7(6H)-one core. Medicinal chemistry design efforts yielded two novel tricyclic cores that enhanced M4 PAM potency, regained CNS penetration, displayed favorable DMPK properties and afforded robust in vivo efficacy in reversing amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion in rats.

This letter details the continued chemical optimization of a novel series of M4 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) based on a 5-amino-thieno[2,3-c]pyridazine core by incorporating a 3-amino azetidine amide moiety. The analogs described within this work represent the most potent M4 PAMs reported for this series to date. The SAR to address potency, clearance, subtype selectivity, CNS exposure, and P-gp efflux are described. This work culminated in the discovery of VU6000918, which demonstrated robust efficacy in a rat amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion reversal model at a minimum efficacious dose of 0.3 mg/kg. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

This letter describes the further chemical optimization of the 5-amino-thieno[2,3-c]pyridazine series (VU0467154/VU0467485) of M4 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), developed via iterative parallel synthesis, culminating in the discovery of the non-human primate (NHP) in vivo tool compound, VU0476406 (8p). VU0476406 is an important in vivo tool compound to enable translation of pharmacodynamics from rodent to NHP, and while data related to a Parkinson’s disease model has been reported with 8p, this is the first disclosure of the optimization and discovery of VU0476406, as well as detailed pharmacology and DMPK properties.

This letter describes the chemical optimization of a novel series of M4 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) based on a 5-amino-thieno[2,3-c]pyridazine core, developed via iterative parallel synthesis, and culminating in the highly utilized rodent in vivo tool compound, VU0467154 (5). This is the first report of the optimization campaign (SAR and DMPK profiling) that led to the discovery of VU0467154, and details all of the challenges faced in allosteric modulator programs (steep SAR, species differences in PAM pharmacology and subtle structural changes affecting CNS penetration).

Herein, we report the structure–activity relationships within a series of potent, selective, and orally bioavailable muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 4 (M4) positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). Compound 6c (VU0467485) possesses robust in vitro M4 PAM potency across species and in vivo efficacy in preclinical models of schizophrenia. Coupled with an attractive DMPK profile and suitable predicted human PK, 6c (VU0467485) was evaluated as a preclinical development candidate.

BACE1 is responsible for the first step in APP proteolysis, leading to toxic Aβ production, and has been indicated to play a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The related isoform BACE2 is thought to be involved in processing of the pigment cell-specific melanocyte protein. To avoid potential effects on pigmentation, we investigated the feasibility for developing isoform-selective BACE1 inhibitors. Cocrystal structures of 47 compounds were analyzed and clustered according to their selectivity profiles. Selective BACE1 inhibitors were found to exhibit two distinct conformational features proximal to the flap and the S3 subpocket. Several new molecules were designed and tested to make use of this observation. The combination of a pyrimidinyl C-ring and a methylcyclohexyl element resulted in lead molecule 28, which exhibited ∼50-fold selectivity. Compared to a nonselective BACE1/2 inhibitor, 28 showed significantly less inhibition of PMEL processing in human melanocytes, indicating good functional selectivity of this inhibitor class.

This Letter describes the chemical optimization of a novel series of M4 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) based on a 5,6-dimethyl-4-(piperidin-1-yl)thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine core, identified from an MLPCN functional high-throughput screen. The HTS hit was potent and selective, but not CNS penetrant. Potency was maintained, while CNS penetration was improved (rat brain:plasma Kp = 0.74), within the original core after several rounds of optimization; however, the thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine core was subject to extensive oxidative metabolism. Ultimately, we identified a 6-fluoroquinazoline core replacement that afforded good M4 PAM potency, muscarinic receptor subtype selectivity and CNS penetration (rat brain:plasma Kp > 10). Moreover, this campaign provided fundamentally distinct M4 PAM chemotypes, greatly expanding the available structural diversity for this exciting CNS target.

A novel series of 16-substituted-4-azasteroids has been identified as potential tissue-selective androgen receptor modulators. These ligands display potent hAR binding and agonist activity, low virilizing potential, and good pharmacokinetic profiles in dogs. On the basis of its in vitro profile, 21 was evaluated in the OVX and ORX rat models and exhibited an osteoanabolic, tissue-selective profile.

This Letter describes, for the first time, the synthesis and SAR, developed through an iterative analog library approach, that led to the discovery of the positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR5 CPPHA. Binding to a unique allosteric binding site distinct from other mGluR5 PAMs, CPPHA has been the focus of numerous pharmacology studies by several laboratories.

Accumulating evidence indicates direct relationships between sleep abnormalities and the severity and prevalence of other symptom clusters in schizophrenia. Assessment of potential state-dependent alterations in sleep architecture and arousal relative to antipsychotic-like activity is critical for the development of novel antipsychotic drugs (APDs). Recently, we reported that VU0467154, a selective positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR), exhibits robust APD-like and cognitive enhancing activity in rodents. However, the state-dependent effects of VU0467154 on sleep architecture and arousal have not been examined. Using polysomnography and quantitative electroencephalographic recordings from subcranial electrodes in rats, we evaluated the effects of VU0467154, in comparison with the atypical APD clozapine and the M1/M4-preferring mAChR agonist xanomeline. VU0467154 induced state-dependent alterations in sleep architecture and arousal by delaying Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep onset, selectively increased cumulative duration of total and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, and increased arousal during waking periods. Clozapine decreased arousal during wake, increased cumulative NREM, and decreased REM sleep. In contrast, xanomeline increased time awake and arousal during wake, but reduced slow wave activity during NREM sleep. Additionally, in combination with the N-methyl-d-aspartate subtype of glutamate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist MK-801, modeling NMDAR hypofunction thought to underlie many symptoms in schizophrenia, both VU0467154 and clozapine attenuated MK-801-induced elevations in high frequency gamma power consistent with an APD-like mechanism of action. These findings suggest that selective M4 PAMs may represent a novel mechanism for treating multiple symptoms of schizophrenia, including disruptions in sleep architecture without a sedative profile.

This letter describes the development of two series of potent and selective allosteric Akt kinase inhibitors that display an unprecedented level of selectivity for either Akt1, Akt2 or both Akt1/Akt2. An iterative analog library synthesis approach quickly provided a highly selective Akt1/Akt2 inhibitor that induces apoptosis in tumor cells and inhibits Akt phosphorylation in vivo.

3-(S)-Pyrimidin-5-yl-9-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-[1,8]naphthyridin-2-yl)-nonanoic acid (5e) and 3-(S)-(methylpyrimidin-5-yl)-9-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-[1,8]naphthyridin-2-yl)-nonanoic acid (5f) were identified as potent and selective antagonists of the alpha(v)beta(3) receptor. These compounds have excellent in vitro profiles (IC(50) = 0.07 and 0.08 nM, respectively), significant unbound fractions in human plasma (6 and 4%), and good pharmacokinetics in rat, dog, and rhesus monkey. On the basis of the efficacy shown in an in vivo model of bone turnover following once-daily oral administration, these two compounds were selected for clinical development for the treatment of osteoporosis.

A series of 3-substituted tetrahydro-[1,8]naphthyridine containing α v β 3 antagonists was prepared. A comparison of their in vitro IC 50 values to the electron properties of the 3-substituents revealed a good linear Hammett correlation (ρ=−1.96, R 2 =0.959). Electron-withdrawing groups at the 3-position of the tetrahydro-[1,8]naphthyridine decreased potency while electron-donating groups enhanced potency.

Two novel series of small-molecule RGD mimetics containing either a substituted pyridone or pyrazinone central constraint were prepared. Modification of the β-alanine 3-substituent produced compounds that are potent and selective α v β 3 antagonists and exhibit a range of physicochemical properties.

A binding model for nonpeptide antagonists of integrin αvβ3 has been developed through docking analyses utilizing the MMFFs force field and the recently published crystal structure, 1JV2. Results of this docking study have led to the identification of a novel binding model for selective antagonists of αvβ3 over αIIbβ3 integrins. Four different chemical classes are shown to bind in a similar fashion providing a measure of confidence in the proposed model. All αvβ3 and αIIbβ3 antagonists have a basic nitrogen separated some distance from a carboxylic acid to mimic RGD. For the αvβ3 antagonists under present consideration, these charged ends are separated by twelve bonds. The basic nitrogen of the active αvβ3 ligands are shown to interact with D150 of αv and the ligands' carboxylic acid interact with R214 of β3 while adopting an extended conformation with minimal protein induced internal strain. In addition, an energetically favorable interaction is found with all of the active αvβ3 molecules with Y178 of αv...

The αvβ3 integrin receptor ligand [125I]L-775,219, 1c, was synthesized for use in an in vitro receptor binding assay with high specific activity (>1500 Ci/mmol) and a radiochemical yield of 15–20%. Conversion of iodide 1b to the corresponding aryl trimethylstannane 2, followed by radioiodination using Na125I/iodobead gave 1c. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The vitronectin receptor vβ3 is a member of the integrin superfamily of membrane bound glycoprotein receptors that is responsible for cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and shares the same β subunit as the fibrinogen receptor IIbβ3 (also known as GPIIb/IIIa). Both these integrins recognise extracellular proteins that express the peptide sequence arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD). Non-peptide RGD mimetics that bind with high affinity and selectivity to IIbβ3 were previously prepared as anti-thrombotic agents. More recently, medicinal chemistry groups have modified these non-peptide fibrinogen receptor antagonist lead structures to impart potency and integrin selectivity for vβ3. Numerous patent applications and issued patents have appeared throughout the last decade claiming structurally novel vβ3 antagonists as agents for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis, cancer, diabetic retinopathy and rheumatoid arthritis. This review encompasses those issued patents and published patent applicati...

Modification of the potent fibrinogen receptor (αIIbβ3) antagonist 1 generated compounds with high affinity for the vitronectin receptor αvβ3. Sequential modification of the basic N-terminus of 1 led to the identification of the 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro[1,8]naphthyridine moiety (THN) as a lipophilic, moderately basic N-terminus that provides molecules with excellent potency and selectivity for the integrin receptor αvβ3. The THN-containing analogue 5 is a potent inhibitor of bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the identification of a novel, nonpeptide radioligand with high affinity to αvβ3 is also reported.

The alpha(v)beta(3) integrin is a non-covalent, heterodimeric, cell-surface protein that is expressed with varying density on numerous cell types, including osteoclasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and a variety of tumour cells. Functionally, alpha(v)beta(3) mediates a diverse range of biological events including the adhesion of osteoclasts to bone matrix, smooth muscle cell migration and angiogenesis. Specifically, there has been significant attention focused on the preparation of inhibitors of alpha(v)beta(3) for use as inhibitors of bone resorption, in recognition of the medical need for improved prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Herein, we summarise the pertinent chemistry and biological advances in the medicinal design and biological evaluation of peptide and small molecule alpha(v)beta(3) antagonists as inhibitors of bone resorption.

A new series of potent, linearly-minimized, orally active, selective GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors is identified. Thus 15 (L-750,034) achieves interaction via a constrained, non-turned conformation that maintains the proper distance between its charged termini and full sulfonamide exosite interaction. The diminutive stature and the proposed linear conformation of L-750,034 define a new paradigm for the conceptualization of RGD mimics.

The synthesis of [ 3 H]L-734,217, 1b, an orally active fibrinogen receptor antagonist, is described. The conversion of 3-amino crotonate 6 to [ 3 H]L-734,217 was carried out via a two step sequence of catalytic tritiation followed by basic hydrolysis. Deuterium model reactions showed that the reduction of 6 with PtO2 occurred via hydrogen transfer from the solvent (ethanol or acetic acid) leading to poor isotope incorporation. When this reduction was conducted in methanol with 10% Pd/C, good isotope incorporation resulted. Ultimately, [ 3 H]L-734,217 was formed with a specific activity of 42 Ci/mmol.

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is the most highly associated susceptibility locus for late onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and augmenting the beneficial physiological functions of apoE is a proposed therapeutic strategy. In a high throughput phenotypic screen for small molecules that enhance apoE secretion from human CCF-STTG1 astrocytoma cells, we show the chrysanthemic ester 82879 robustly increases expressed apoE up to 9.4-fold and secreted apoE up to 6-fold and is associated with increased total cholesterol in conditioned media. Compound 82879 is unique as structural analogues, including pyrethroid esters, show no effect on apoE expression or secretion. 82879 also stimulates liver x receptor (LXR) target genes including ATP binding cassette A1 (ABCA1), LXRα and inducible degrader of low density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL) at both mRNA and protein levels. In particular, the lipid transporter ABCA1 was increased by up to 10.6-fold upon 82879 treatment. The findings from CCF-STTG1 cells were confirmed in primary human astrocytes from three donors, where increased apoE and ABCA1 was observed along with elevated secretion of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-like apoE particles. Nuclear receptor transactivation assays revealed modest direct LXR agonism by compound 82879, yet 10 μM of 82879 significantly upregulated apoE mRNA in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) depleted of both LXRα and LXRβ, demonstrating that 82879 can also induce apoE expression independent of LXR transactivation. By contrast, deletion of LXRs in MEFs completely blocked mRNA changes in ABCA1 even at 10 μM of 82879, indicating the ability of 82879 to stimulate ABCA1 expression is entirely dependent on LXR transactivation. Taken together, compound 82879 is a novel chrysanthemic ester capable of modulating apoE secretion as well as apoE-associated lipid metabolic pathways in astrocytes, which is structurally and mechanistically distinct from known LXR agonists.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of L-703,014, a fibrinogen receptor antagonist, have been examined in the dog. An analytical method which utilizes methanol precipitation of dog plasma proteins followed by HPLC with an automated column switching technique using the chemical analogue L-704,326 as internal standard was developed for the determination of L-703,014 in dog plasma. The compound was not metabolized in the dog and was eliminated in the kidneys and into bile. Of the administered dose, 68.9 ± 1.3% (i.v.) and 80.5 ± 11.9% (p.o.) were recovered in the feces; 20.3 ± 3% (i.v.) and 2.2 ± 0.2% (p.o.) were recovered in the urine by 72 hr. L-703,014 was 23 ± 3.4% bound in dog plasma protein and the mean ratio of plasma/whole blood was 1.22 ± 0.05. The mean terminal half-life was 118 ± 36 min, the mean steady-state volume of distribution was 0.61 ± 0.22 L/kg, and the mean plasma clearance was 8 ± 2 mL/min/kg. Ex vivo platelet aggregation measurements were made by inducing platelet aggregation with 10 µg/ mL collagen in the presence of 1 µM epinephrine as an agonist. The mean C 50 was 44.4 ± 6.0 ng/mL, and the mean Hill coefficient was 1.5 ± 0.3. The mean bioavailability was 4.9 ± 1.4% in dogs administered 2.0 mg/kg (p.o.).

Potent non-peptidic alpha(v)beta(3) antagonists have been prepared where deletion of an amide bond from an earlier series of linear RGD-mimetics provides a novel series of chain-shortened alpha(v)beta(3) antagonists with significantly improved oral pharmacokinetics. These chain-shortened alpha(v)beta(3) antagonists represent structurally novel integrin inhibitors.

This letter describes the development of potent, allosteric dual Akt1 and Akt2 inhibitors with improved aqueous solubility (approximately 18 mg/mL) that translates into enhanced cell activity and caspase-3 induction.

Potent, novel 7-oxo alpha(v)beta3 antagonists have been prepared. These antagonists offer decreased plasma protein binding and excellent pharmacokinetic profiles.

This letter describes the discovery of a novel series of dual Akt1/Akt2 kinase inhibitors, based on a 2,3,5-trisubstituted pyridine scaffold. Compounds from this series, which contain a 5-tetrazolyl moiety, exhibit more potent inhibition of Akt2 than Akt1.

A series of αvβ3 receptor antagonists lacking the amide bond of previously-reported ‘chain-shortened’ compounds is described. Replacement of the lone amide bond with two methylene groups in this series yields more lipophilic compounds that have longer half-lives, lower clearance, and greater oral bioavailability when administered to dogs.

Subtle modifications were incorporated into the structure of clinical candidate 1. These changes were designed to maintain potency and selectivity while inducing changes in physical properties leading to improved pharmacokinetics in three species. This approach led to the identification of 4 as a potent, selective alphaVbeta3 receptor antagonist that was selected for clinical development based on an improved PK profile and efficacy demonstrated in an in vivo model of bone turnover.

We found that N-[4-chloro-2-[(1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-2H-isoindol-2-yl)methyl]phenyl]-2-hydroxybenzamide (CPPHA), is a potent and selective positive allosteric modulator of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5). CPPHA alone had no agonist activity and acted as a selective positive allosteric modulator of human and rat mGluR5. CPPHA potentiated threshold responses to glutamate in fluorometric Ca(2+) assays 7- to 8-fold with EC(50) values in the 400 to 800 nM range, and at 10 microM shifted mGluR5 agonist concentration-response curves to glutamate, quisqualate, and (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) 4- to 7-fold to the left. The only effect of CPPHA on other mGluRs was weak inhibition of mGluR4 and 8. Neither CPPHA nor the previously described 3,3'-difluorobenzaldazine (DFB) affected [(3)H]quisqualate binding to mGluR5, but although DFB partially competed for [(3)H]3-methoxy-5-(2-pyridinylethynyl)pyridine binding, CPPHA had no effect on the binding of this 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine analog to mGluR5. Although the binding sites for the two classes of allosteric modulators seem to be different, these different allosteric sites can modulate functionally and mechanistically similar allosteric effects. In electrophysiological studies of brain slice preparations, it had been previously shown that activation of mGluR5 receptors by agonists increased N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor currents in the CA1 region of hippocampal slices. We found that CPPHA (10 microM) potentiated NMDA receptor currents in hippocampal slices induced by threshold levels of DHPG, whereas having no effect on these currents by itself. Similarly, 10 microM CPPHA also potentiated mGluR5-mediated DHPG-induced depolarization of rat subthalamic nucleus neurons. These results demonstrate that allosteric potentiation of mGluR5 increases the effect of threshold agonist concentrations in native systems.

1. The study investigated mechanisms underlying the pharmacokinetic differences of two zwitterionic diastereomers ((3S)-3-[(3R or 3S)-2-oxo-3-[3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)propyl]pyrrolidin-1-yl]-3-quinolin-3-ylpropanoic acid) with different lipophilicities using a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches. 2. In rat, both isomers possessed comparable plasma clearances (CL). However, the more lipophilic diastereomer I exhibited a higher metabolic clearance (>2-fold higher than II), whereas the hydrophilic zwitterion II exhibited a higher biliary clearance (approximately 5-fold higher than I). Following oral administration, the bioavailability (F) of I (17%) was much higher than that of II (1%). 3. Consistent with these in vivo observations and the expectation based on their lipophilicity differences, the metabolism in rat liver microsomes was faster and the permeability in Caco-2 and LLC-PK1 cells and in situ rat intestinal loop was better for I than for II. 4. Only the absorption of the more lipophilic diastereomer I was subjected to an efflux system in the Caco-2 and in situ rat intestinal loop models. I was a good substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in both the human MDR1 and mouse mdr1a transfected cell lines, and in the wild-type mdr1a (-/-) mouse when compared with the P-gp-deficient mdr1a (-/-) mouse. Concomitant administration of I with verapamil in rat caused significant increases in oral AUC, F and Cmax of I without affecting its CL, further supporting the effect of P-gp in limiting the intestinal absorption of I in vivo in this animal model. 5. Since the findings that the lipophilic diastereomer I, but not II, was a good P-gp substrate were not in line with the observations that I was excreted to bile much slower than II and that I was absorbed better than II, the results suggested that P-gp played a minor role to the observed differences in the biliary excretion and intestinal absorption of the diastereomers I and II in rat.

Mimetics of the RGD tripeptide are described that are potent, selective antagonists of the integrin receptor, alpha(v)beta(3). The use of the 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro[1,8]naphthyridine group as a potency-enhancing N-terminus is demonstrated. Two 3-substituted-3-amino-propionic acids previously contained in alpha(IIb)beta(3) antagonists were utilized to enhance binding affinity and functional activity for the targeted receptor. Further affinity increases were then achieved through the use of cyclic glycyl amide bond constraints.

Compound affinity for activated and resting GPIIb/IIIa receptors may differ, and comparison of those differences determines selectivity. Structural features that influence selectivity are discussed.

Inhibitors of platelet-fibrinogen binding offer an opportunity to interrupt the final, common pathway for platelet aggregation. Small molecule inhibitors of the platelet fibrinogen receptor GPIIb/IIIa were prepared and evaluated for their ability to prevent platelet aggregation. Compound 23m (L-700,462/MK-383) inhibited in vitro platelet aggregation with an IC50 of 9 nM and demonstrated a selectivity of > 24,000-fold between platelet and human umbilical vein endothelial cell fibrinogen receptors. Dose-dependent inhibition of ex vivo platelet aggregation induced by ADP was achieved with i.v. infusions of 0.1-10 micrograms/kg/min of 23m in anesthetized dogs, with 10 micrograms/kg/min completely inhibiting platelet aggregation during the entire 6 h infusion protocol. Platelet aggregatability returned rapidly after the termination of the 23m infusions. These features suggest that 23m may be useful in the treatment of arterial occlusive disorders.

Substitution of hydroxy and hydroxyalkyl functionality at C-7 of the hexahydronaphthalene nucleus of simvastatin has provided novel analogs. The synthetic strategy employed epoxidation or Lewis acid-catalyzed aldol reaction of the 8-keto silyl enol ether as a key reactive intermediate. These analogs were evaluated as potential hypocholesterolemic agents via initial determination of their ability to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase in vitro. Oral activity of these compounds was determined in an acute rat model and a three-week study in cholestyramine-primed dogs. Compounds were identified that possessed in vitro and in vivo activity comparable to that of simvastatin.

Modification of the hexahydronaphthalene ring 5-position in simvastatin 2a via oxygenation and oxa replacement afforded two series of derivatives which were evaluated in vitro for inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and acutely in vivo for oral effectiveness as inhibitors of cholesterogenesis in the rat. Of the compounds selected for further biological evaluation, the 6 beta-methyl-5-oxa 10 and 5 alpha-hydroxy 16 derivatives of 3,4,4a,5-tetrahydro 2a, as well as, the 6 beta-epimer 14 of 16 proved orally active as hypocholesterolemic agents in cholestyramine-primed dogs. Subsequent acute oral metabolism studies in dogs demonstrated that compounds 14 and 16 evoke lower peak plasma drug activity and area-under-the-curve values than does compound 10 and led to the selection of 14 and 16 for toxicological evaluation.

The reaction of sodium alkylphosphinates or sodium dialkylphosphonates with tosylamino tosylates of amino alcohols derived from 1-aminoalkylcar☐ylic acids gives high yields of optically active 2-tosylaminoalkylphosphinic or phosphonic esters.