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Graphical abstract Abstract We describe the discovery and optimization of 5-substituted-N-pyridazinylbenzamide derivatives as potent and selective LRRK2 inhibitors. Extensive SAR studies led to the identification of compounds 18 and 23 , which demonstrated good in vitro pharmacokinetic profile and excellent selectivity over 140 other kinases. Both compounds demonstrated high unbound fractions in both blood and brain. Compound 18 proved to be brain penetrant, and the high unbound fraction of compound 18 in brain enabled its in vivo efficacy in CNS, wherein a significant inhibition of LRRK2 Ser935 phosphorylation was observed in rat brain following intravenous infusion at 5 mg/kg/h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity with small molecules has emerged as a potential novel therapeutic treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Herein we disclose the discovery of a 4-ethoxy-7 H -pyrrolo[2,3- d ]pyrimidin-2-amine series as potent LRRK2 inhibitors identified through a kinase-focused set screening. Optimization of the physicochemical properties and kinase selectivity led to the discovery of compound 7 , which exhibited potent in vitro inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity, good physicochemical properties and kinase selectivity across the kinome. Moreover, compound 7 was able to penetrate into the CNS, and in vivo pharmacology studies revealed significant inhibition of Ser935 phosphorylation in the brain of both rats (30 and 100 mg/kg) and mice (45 mg/kg) following oral administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Starting from a orexin 1 receptor selective antagonist 4,4-disubstituted piperidine series a novel potent 5-azaspiro[2.4]heptane dual orexin 1 and orexin 2 receptor antagonist class has been discovered. SAR and Pharmacokinetic optimization of this series is herein disclosed. Lead compound 15 exhibits potent activity against orexin 1 and orexin 2 receptors along with low cytochrome P450 inhibition potential, good brain penetration and oral bioavailability in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The construction of a EP4 antagonists pharmacophore model and the discovery of a highly potent oxepinic series of EP4 antagonists is discussed. Compound 1a exhibits an excellent selectivity profile toward EP2 receptor subtype and low cytochrome P450 inhibition potential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The synthesis of two different sets of 3,3-disubstituted oxetane building blocks is described. These molecules can be usefully incorporated in more complex structures to modulate their metabolic and physicochemical properties. The synthetic pathways are general and could be exploited for the synthesis of many other related derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease. Herein we report the discovery of 5-substituent- N -arylbenzamide derivatives as novel LRRK2 inhibitors. Extensive SAR study led to the discovery of compounds 8e , which demonstrated potent LRRK2 inhibition activity, high selectivity across the kinome, good brain exposure, and high oral bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The hypothalamic peptides orexin-A and orexin-B are potent agonists of two G-protein coupled receptors, namely the OX1 and the OX2 receptor. These receptors are widely distributed, though differentially, in the rat brain. In particular, the OX1 receptor is highly expressed throughout the hypothalamus, whilst the OX2 receptor is mainly located in the ventral posterior nucleus. A large body of compelling evidence, both pre-clinical and clinical, suggests that the orexin system is profoundly implicated in sleep disorders. In particular, modulation of the orexin receptors activation by appropriate antagonists was proven to be an efficacious strategy for the treatment of insomnia in man. A novel, drug-like bis-amido piperidine derivative was identified as potent dual OX1 and OX2 receptor antagonists, highly effective in a pre-clinical model of sleep. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In an effort to identify selective drug like pan-antagonists of the 5-HT1 autoreceptors, studies were conducted to elaborate a previously reported dual acting 5-HT1 antagonist/SSRI structure. A novel series of compounds was identified showing low intrinsic activities and potent affinities across the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1D receptors as well as high selectivity against the serotonin transporter. From among these compounds, 1-(3-{2-[4-(2-methyl-5-quinolinyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl}phenyl)-2-imidazolidinone (36) was found to combine potent in vivo activity with a strong preclinical developability profile, and on this basis it was selected as a drug candidate with the aim of assessing its potential as a fast-onset antidepressant/anxiolytic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histamine H1and serotonin 5-HT2Areceptors mediate two different mechanisms involved in sleep regulation: H1antagonists are sleep inducers, while 5-HT2Aantagonists are sleep maintainers. Starting from 9′a, a novel spirotetracyclic compound endowed with good H1/5-HT2Apotency but poor selectivity, very high Cli, and a poor P450 profile, a specific optimization strategy was set up. In particular, we investigated the possibility of introducing appropriate amino acid moieties to optimize the developability profile of the series. Following this zwitterionic approach, we were able to identify several advanced leads (51, 65, and 73) with potent dual H1/5-HT2Aactivity and appropriate developability profiles. These compounds exhibited efficacy as hypnotic agents in a rat telemetric sleep model with minimal effective doses in the range 3−10 mg/kg po. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel imidazobenzazepine template (5a) with potent dual H1/5-HT2A antagonist activity was identified. Application of a zwitterionic approach to this poorly selective and poorly developable starting point successfully delivered a class of high quality leads, 3-[4-(3-R1-2-R-5H-imidazo[1,2-b][2]benzazepin-11-yl)-1-piperazinyl]-2,2-dimethylpropanoic acids (e.g., 9, 19, 20, and 21), characterized by potent and balanced H1/5-HT2A receptor antagonist activities and good developability profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Investigation of a series 6-[2-(4-aryl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-ones has led to the discovery of potent 5-HT1A/1B/1D receptor antagonists with and without additional SerT affinity. Modulation of the different target activities gave compounds with a range of profiles suitable for further in vivo characterization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The synthesis of a series of carbazole derivatives and their SAR at the NPY Y1 receptor is described. Modulation of physicochemical properties by appropriate decoration led to the identification of a high-affinity NPY Y1 antagonist that shows high brain penetration and modest oral bioavailability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The involvement of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the pathophysiology of mood disorders has been suggested by clinical and preclinical evidence. NPY Y1 and Y2 receptors have been proposed to mediate the NPY modulation of stress responses and anxiety related behaviors. To further investigate the role of Y2 receptors in anxiety we studied the effect of BIIE0246, a selective Y2 receptor antagonist, in the elevated plus-maze test. Rats treated with 1.0nmol BIIE0246 showed an increase in the time spent on the open arm of the maze. In addition, to study the effects of the Y2 antagonism on NPY protein level, NPY-like immunoreactivity was measured in different brain regions following treatment with BIIE0246, but no statistically significant effects were observed. These results suggest that BIIE0246 has an anxiolytic-like profile in the elevated plus-maze. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]