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This Letter details the synthesis and evaluation of imidazo[4,5-b]pyridines as inhibitors of B-Raf kinase. These compounds bind in a DFG-in, αC-helix out conformation of B-Raf, which is a binding mode associated with significant kinase selectivity. Structure-activity relationship studies involved optimization of the ATP-cleft binding region of these molecules, and led to compound 23, an inhibitor with excellent enzyme/cell potency, and kinase selectivity.

Herein we describe a novel pyrazole-based class of ATP competitive B-Raf inhibitors. These inhibitors exhibit both excellent cellular potency and striking B-Raf selectivity. A subset of these inhibitors has demonstrated the ability to inhibit downstream ERK phosphorylation in LOX tumors from mouse xenograft studies.

The synthesis of racemic and non-racemic spirocyclic lactams that display high binding affinity toward CCR4 is described. Two distinct series of spirocycles were prepared from the common intermediate 9.

Substituted thiazolidinones were identified as CCR4 antagonists from high throughput screening. Subsequent lead optimization efforts resulted in defined structure-activity relationships and the identification of potent antagonists (compounds 90 and 91) that inhibited the chemotaxis of Th2 T-cells in vitro.

A series of 2,3,4,4a,10,10a-hexahydropyrano[3,2-b]chromene analogs was developed that demonstrated high selectivity (>2000-fold) for BACE1 vs Cathepsin D (CatD). Three different Asp-binding moieties were examined: spirocyclic acyl guanidines, aminooxazolines, and aminothiazolines in order to modulate potency, selectivity, efflux, and permeability. Guided by structure based design, changes to P2′ and P3 moieties were explored. A conformationally restricted P2′ methyl group provided inhibitors with excellent cell potency (37–137 nM) and selectivity (435 to >2000-fold) for BACE1 vs CatD. These efforts lead to compound 59, which demonstrated a 69% reduction in rat CSF Aβ1–40 at 60 mg/kg (PO).

Human lung tryptase, a homotetrameric serine protease unique to mast cell secretory granules, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. A hypothesis that tethered symmetrical inhibitors might bridge two adjacent active sites was explored via a rationally designed series of bisbenzamidines. These compounds demonstrated a remarkable distanced-defined structure–activity relationship against human tryptase with one series possessing subnanomolar potencies. Additional evidence supporting the concept of active-site bridging is also presented.

Herein we describe a novel series of ATP competitive B-Raf inhibitors based on the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffold. These inhibitors exhibit both excellent cellular potency and striking B-Raf selectivity. Optimization led to the identification of compound 17, a potent, selective and orally available agent with improved physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties.

Structure–activity relationships around a novel series of B-RafV600E inhibitors are reported. The enzymatic and cellular potencies of inhibitors derived from two related hinge-binding groups were compared and3-methoxypyrazolopyridine proved to be superior. The 3-alkoxy group of lead B-RafV600E inhibitor 1 was extended and minimally affected potency. The propyl sulfonamide tail of compound 1, which occupies the small lipophilic pocket formed by an outward shift of the αC-helix, was expanded to a series of arylsulfonamides. X-ray crystallography revealed that this lipophilic pocket unexpectedly enlarges to accommodate the bulkier aryl group.

Treatment of the immunostimulant KBBL (1a) in dry methanol with Amberlyst® 15 as catalyst yielded the epimeric spiro ketals 4a and 4b along with a minor amount of the pyranoid ketal 2. Contrary to a literature report, treatment of KBBL in 2% methanolic HCl gave the rearranged methyl ester 3 rather than ketal 2. Ketals 2, 4a, and 4b are potentially useful intermediates for the further elaboration of the ascorbic acid nucleus of KBBL because the ketone and one hydroxyl of the butyrolactone nucleus (derived from ascorbic acid) are simultaneously protected as an internal ketal. X-Ray structures of these compounds were obtained, contributing to our knowledge of the structure of the KBBL family of immunostimulants.

The V600E mutation of B-Raf kinase results in constitutive activation of the MAPK signaling pathway and is present in approximately 7% of all cancers. Using structure-based design, a novel series of pyrazolopyridine inhibitors of B-Raf(V600E) was developed. Optimization led to the identification of 3-methoxy pyrazolopyridines 17 and 19, potent, selective, and orally bioavailable agents that inhibited tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model driven by B-Raf(V600E) with no effect on body weight. On the basis of their in vivo efficacy and preliminary safety profiles, 17 and 19 were selected for further preclinical evaluation.

The synthesis and biological evaluation of non-oxime pyrazole based B-Raf inhibitors is reported. Several oxime replacements have been prepared and have shown excellent enzyme activity. Further optimization of fused pyrazole 2a led to compound 38, a selective and potent B-Raf inhibitor.

A series of racemic and chiral, nonracemic lactams that display high binding affinities, functional chemotaxis antagonism, and selectivity toward CCR4 are described. Compound 41, which provides reasonably high blood levels in mice when dosed intraperitoneally, was identified as a useful pharmacological tool to explore the role of CCR4 antagonism in animal models of allergic disease.