Design and discovery of C2-fluoroalkyl iminothiazine dioxides as BACE inhibitors.

This paper describes the structure-activity-relationships of novel fluoroalkyl substituents at the C2 position of iminothiazine dioxide beta secretase inhibitors. Key discoveries include reduced amidine basicity and its effect on Pgp, cell potency, and efficacy in various preclinical in vivo efficacy animal models. Findings from these structure-activity-relationships are discussed.

Small molecule glucagon receptor antagonists: an updated patent review (2015-2019).

INTRODUCTION: The peptide hormone glucagon acts as a counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia and as a key driver in the development of all forms of diabetes. Thus, inhibition of glucagon action, including through antagonism of the glucagon receptor by small molecule therapeutics, has been explored in clinical settings as a means to achieve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and mitigate associated comorbidities. AREAS COVERED: This review covers patent applications concerning small molecule glucagon receptor antagonists (GRAs) published between 2015 and 2019. With the exception of the cholesterol absorption inhibitor-GRA combination, patents, or applications pertaining to combination therapies or method of treatment were excluded. In addition, a discussion on findings from clinical trials is included. EXPERT OPINION: An evident trend toward declining discovery efforts in GRAs was observed. With respect to the structural novelty, most applications contain compounds broadly similar to earlier chemical matter. Based on findings from clinical trials, while GRAs are highly effective in lowering hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, key safety issues (cholesterol elevation, aminotransferase elevation, blood pressure effects) remain the primary hurdle for the field.

Efficacious intermittent dosing of a novel JAK2 inhibitor in mouse models of polycythemia vera.

A high percentage of patients with the myeloproliferative disorder polycythemia vera (PV) harbor a Val617→Phe activating mutation in the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene, and both cell culture and mouse models have established a functional role for this mutation in the development of this disease. We describe the properties of MRLB-11055, a highly potent inhibitor of both the WT and V617F forms of JAK2, that has therapeutic efficacy in erythropoietin (EPO)-driven and JAK2V617F-driven mouse models of PV. In cultured cells, MRLB-11055 blocked proliferation and induced apoptosis in a manner consistent with JAK2 pathway inhibition. MRLB-11055 effectively prevented EPO-induced STAT5 activation in the peripheral blood of acutely dosed mice, and could prevent EPO-induced splenomegaly and erythrocytosis in chronically dosed mice. In a bone marrow reconstituted JAK2V617F-luciferase murine PV model, MRLB-11055 rapidly reduced the burden of JAK2V617F-expressing cells from both the spleen and the bone marrow. Using real-time in vivo imaging, we examined the kinetics of disease regression and resurgence, enabling the development of an intermittent dosing schedule that achieved significant reductions in both erythroid and myeloid populations with minimal impact on lymphoid cells. Our studies provide a rationale for the use of non-continuous treatment to provide optimal therapy for PV patients.

Discovery of 1-amino-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indol-4-carboxamide inhibitors of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) for the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders.

The JAK-STAT pathway mediates signaling by cytokines, which control survival, proliferation, and differentiation of a variety of cells. In recent years, a single point mutation (V617F) in the tyrosine kinase JAK2 was found to be present with a high incidence in myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs). This mutation led to hyperactivation of JAK2, cytokine-independent signaling, and subsequent activation of downstream signaling networks. The genetic, biological, and physiological evidence suggests that JAK2 inhibitors could be effective in treating MPDs. De novo design efforts of new scaffolds identified 1-amino-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indol-4-carboxamides as a new viable lead series. Subsequent optimization of cell potency, metabolic stability, and off-target activities of the leads led to the discovery of 7-(2-aminopyrimidin-5-yl)-1-{[(1R)-1-cyclopropyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl]amino}-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-4-carboxamide (65). Compound 65 is a potent, orally active inhibitor of JAK2 with excellent selectivity, PK profile, and in vivo efficacy in animal models.

Asymmetric Mannich reactions of beta-keto esters with acyl imines catalyzed by cinchona alkaloids.

Cinchona alkaloids catalyze the enantioselective Mannich reaction of beta-keto esters with acyl aryl imines. The reaction requires 10 mol % of cinchonine or cinchonidine. The reaction products are obtained in good yields (81-99%), high enantioselectivities (80-96% ee), and in diastereoselectivities that range from 1:1 to >95:5. The cinchonine-catalyzed reaction provides access to highly functionalized building blocks used in the asymmetric synthesis of a dihydropyrimidone and beta-amino alcohol.