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Identification of novel drug molecules requires the extensive evaluation in vitro and in vivo. Following in vitro evaluation it is necessary to efficiently screen numerous novel molecules in vivo using relatively simple methodology that requires small numbers of animals, is rapid to perform, and provides results that can definitely discriminate potential candidates for further investigation. Herein, we describe the results of three standard compounds (omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor; cimetidine, an histamine H2 receptor antagonist; and AR-H047108, a potassium competitive acid blocker) in the rat aspiration model (under both basal and stimulated conditions), and compared the effects with those in the pyloric ligation model with a view to comparing the results in terms of sensitivity, robustness and simplicity of the methodology. In the aspiration model, drug or vehicle was administered orally 1 h prior to administration of pentagastrin or dimaprit. Ten minutes later 0.9% NaCl was administered orally and immediately recovered by aspiration. In the pyloric ligation model, drugs or vehicle were administered orally 2 h before ligation in a volume of 10 ml/kg. For each model, the volume of each sample was measured and the acidity was determined. In the aspiration model under basal acid secretion or following stimulation with pentagastrin omeprazole, cimetidine and AR-H047108 produced dose related inhibition of acidity. Omeprazole and cimetidine inhibited acid secretion following stimulation with dimaprit. In the pyloric ligation model omeprazole, cimetidine and AR-H047108 inhibited acid secretion. The profile of each of 3 inhibitors of acid secretion exhibited similar effects irrespective of the degree of stimulation (dimaprit, pentagastrin or pyloric ligation). Thus, based on these robust effects and ease of methodology we would recommend the use of the rat aspiration model with pentagastrin stimulation of gastric acid secretion as the primary in vivo methodology to screen novel inhibitors of acid secretion.

Lung pathology in cystic fibrosis is linked to dehydration of the airways epithelial surface which in part results from inappropriately raised sodium reabsorption through the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). To identify a small-interfering RNA (siRNA) which selectively inhibits ENaC expression, chemically modified 21-mer siRNAs targeting human ENaCα were designed and screened. GSK2225745, was identified as a potent inhibitor of ENaCα mRNA (EC(50) (half maximal effective concentration) = 0.4 nmol/l, maximum knockdown = 85%) and protein levels in A549 cells. Engagement of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway was confirmed using 5' RACE. Further profiling was carried out in therapeutically relevant human primary cells. In bronchial epithelial cells, GSK2225745 elicited potent suppression of ENaCα mRNA (EC(50) = 1.6 nmol/l, maximum knockdown = 82%). In human nasal epithelial cells, GSK2225745 also produced potent and long-lasting (≥72 hours) suppression of ENaCα mRNA levels which was associated with significant inhibition of ENaC function (69% inhibition of amiloride-sensitive current in cells treated with GSK2225745 at 10 nmol/l). GSK2225745 showed no evidence for potential to stimulate toll-like receptor (TLR)3, 7 or 8. In vivo, topical delivery of GSK2225745 in a lipid nanoparticle formulation to the airways of mice resulted in significant inhibition of the expression of ENaCα in the lungs. In conclusion, GSK2225745 is a potent inhibitor of ENaCα expression and warrants further evaluation as a potential novel inhaled therapeutic for cystic fibrosis.Molecular Therapy - Nucleic Acids (2013) 2, e65; doi:10.1038/mtna.2012.57; published online 15 January 2013.

High throughput screening combined with efficient datamining and parallel synthesis led to the discovery of a novel series of indolines showing potent in vitro ghrelin receptor agonist activity and acceleration of gastric emptying in rats.