Synthesis of Novel Tetrahydroisoquinoline CXCR4 Antagonists with Rigidified Side-Chains.

A structure-activity relationship study of potent TIQ15-derived CXCR4 antagonists is reported. In this investigation, the TIQ15 side-chain was constrained to improve its drug properties. The cyclohexylamino congener 15a was found to be a potent CXCR4 inhibitor (IC ₅₀ = 33 nM in CXCL12-mediated Ca ²⁺ flux) with enhanced stability in liver microsomes and reduced inhibition of CYP450 (2D6). The improved CXCR4 antagonist 15a has potential therapeutic application as a single agent or combinatory anticancer therapy.
Competing Interests: The authors declare the following competing financial interest(s): D.C.L. is the principle investigator on a research grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development to Emory University. D.C.L., L.J.W., E.J.M., E.J., H.H.N., Y.A.T., R.J.W., V.T.T., and M.B.K. are co-inventors on Emory-owned Intellectual Property that includes CXCR4 antagonists.