Network Meta-analysis Comparing Vonoprazan and Proton Pump Inhibitors for Heartburn Symptoms in Erosive Esophagitis.

GOALS: This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to assess the relative efficacy of vonoprazan and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on early heartburn symptom resolution in patients with erosive esophagitis. BACKGROUND: Limited available data directly compare the efficacy of vonoprazan, a first-in-class potassium-competitive acid blocker, with PPIs in erosive esophagitis. STUDY: We conducted a systematic literature review (in MEDLINE and CENTRAL) and subsequent network meta-analysis according to Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. Double-blind, randomized controlled trials in adults with erosive esophagitis treated with vonoprazan or a PPI were included in the analysis. Primary outcomes were heartburn symptom resolution rate on Day 1 and Day 7. The study was performed with all available data, using a random effects model within a Bayesian framework. RESULTS: Overall, 10 randomized controlled trials were included in the network meta-analysis. For heartburn resolution rate on Day 1 (9 of 10 trials), vonoprazan 20 mg once daily (QD) was superior to placebo (median odds ratio=16.75, 95% credible interval: 2.16-207.80). Point estimates numerically favored vonoprazan 20 mg QD over other comparators. For heartburn resolution rate on Day 7 (10 of 10 trials), vonoprazan 20 mg QD was superior to placebo and other comparators except rabeprazole 20 mg QD. Point estimates numerically favored vonoprazan 20 mg QD over rabeprazole 20 mg QD. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, vonoprazan 20 mg QD was equally effective in heartburn resolution on Day 1, and equally or more effective on Day 7 versus PPIs in adults with erosive esophagitis.

Derivatization of inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) ligands yields improved inducers of estrogen receptor α degradation.

Aberrant expression of proteins often underlies many diseases, including cancer. A recently developed approach in drug development is small molecule-mediated, selective degradation of dysregulated proteins. We have devised a protein-knockdown system that utilizes chimeric molecules termed specific and nongenetic IAP-dependent protein erasers (SNIPERs) to induce ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of various target proteins. SNIPER(ER)-87 consists of an inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) ligand LCL161 derivative that is conjugated to the estrogen receptor α (ERα) ligand 4-hydroxytamoxifen by a PEG linker, and we have previously reported that this SNIPER efficiently degrades the ERα protein. Here, we report that derivatization of the IAP ligand module yields SNIPER(ER)s with superior protein-knockdown activity. These improved SNIPER(ER)s exhibited higher binding affinities to IAPs and induced more potent degradation of ERα than does SNIPER(ER)-87. Further, they induced simultaneous degradation of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (cIAP1) and delayed degradation of X-linked IAP (XIAP). Notably, these reengineered SNIPER(ER)s efficiently induced apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells that require IAPs for continued cellular survival. We found that one of these molecules, SNIPER(ER)-110, inhibits the growth of MCF-7 tumor xenografts in mice more potently than the previously characterized SNIPER(ER)-87. Mechanistic analysis revealed that our novel SNIPER(ER)s preferentially recruit XIAP, rather than cIAP1, to degrade ERα. Our results suggest that derivatized IAP ligands could facilitate further development of SNIPERs with potent protein-knockdown and cytocidal activities against cancer cells requiring IAPs for survival.

Exploration of pyrrole derivatives to find an effective potassium-competitive acid blocker with moderately long-lasting suppression of gastric acid secretion.

With the aim to discover a novel excellent potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) that could perfectly overcome the limitations of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), we tested various approaches based on pyrrole derivative 1 as a lead compound. As part of a comprehensive approach to identify a new effective drug, we tried to optimize the duration of action of the pyrrole derivative. Among the compounds synthesized, fluoropyrrole derivative 20j, which has a 2-F-3-Py group at position 5, fluorine atom at position 4, and a 4-Me-2-Py sulfonyl group at the first position of the pyrrole ring, showed potent gastric acid-suppressive action and moderate duration of action in animal models. On the basis of structural properties including a slightly larger ClogP value (1.95), larger logD value (0.48) at pH 7.4, and fairly similar pKa value (8.73) compared to those of the previously optimized compound 2a, compound 20j was assumed to undergo rapid transfer to the stomach and have a moderate retention time there after single administration. Therefore, compound 20j was selected as a new promising P-CAB with moderately long duration of action.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a novel series of peripheral-selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors-Part 2.

Peripherally selective inhibition of noradrenaline reuptake is a novel mechanism for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence to overcome adverse effects associated with central action. Herein, we describe our medicinal chemistry approach to discover peripheral-selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors to avert the risk of P-gp-mediated DDI at the blood-brain barrier. We observed that steric shielding of the hydrogen-bond acceptors and donors (HBA and HBD) of compound 1 reduced the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) efflux ratio; however, the resulting compound 6, a methoxyacetamide derivative, was mainly metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 in the in vitro phenotyping study, implying the risk of PK variability based on the genetic polymorphism of the CYPs. Replacement of the hydrogen atom with a deuterium atom in a strategic, metabolically hot spot led to compound 13, which was mainly metabolized by CYP3A4. To our knowledge, this study represents the first report of the effect of deuterium replacement for a major metabolic enzyme. The compound 13, N-{[(6S,7R)-7-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1,4-oxazepan-6-yl]methyl}-2-[(2H(3))methyloxy]acetamide hydrochloride, which exhibited peripheral NET selective inhibition at tested doses in rats, increased urethral resistance in a dose-dependent manner.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a novel series of peripheral-selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors - Part 3.

Peripheral-selective inhibition of noradrenaline reuptake is a novel mechanism for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence to overcome adverse effects associated with central action. Here, we describe our medicinal chemistry approach to discover a novel series of highly potent, peripheral-selective, and orally available noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors with a low multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) efflux ratio by cyclization of an amide moiety and introduction of an acidic group. We observed that the MDR1 efflux ratio was correlated with the pKa value of the acidic moiety. The resulting compound 9 exhibited favorable PK profiles, probably because of the effect of intramolecular hydrogen bond, which was supported by a its single-crystal structure. The compound 9, 1-{[(6S,7R)-7-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl)-1,4-oxazepan-6-yl]methyl}-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylic acid hydrochloride, which exhibited peripheral NET-selective inhibition at tested doses in rats by oral administration, increased urethral resistance in a dose-dependent manner.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of peripheral-selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor.

Centrally acting noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (NRI) is reportedly effective for patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by increasing urethral closure in the clinical Phase IIa study with esreboxetine. Noradrenaline transporters are expressed in both central and peripheral nervous systems and the contribution of each site to efficacy has not been clarified. This report describes the development of a series of peripheral-selective 7-phenyl-1,4-oxazepane NRIs to investigate the contribution of the peripheral site to increasing urethral resistance in rats. (6S,7R)-1,4-Oxazepane derivative 7 exhibited noradrenaline transporter inhibition with high selectivity against inhibitions of serotonin and dopamine transporters. A replacement of hydroxyl with acetamide group contributed to enhancement of peripheral selectivity by increasing molecular polarity. Compound 12, N-{[(6S,7R)-7-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,4-oxazepan-6-yl]methyl}acetamide 0.5 fumarate, which showed effectively no brain penetration in rats, increased urethral resistance in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited a maximal effect on par with esreboxetine. These results demonstrate that the urethral resistance-increasing effects of NRI in rats are mainly caused by the inhibition of noradrenaline transporters in the peripheral sites.

Cost Analysis in Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy Based on a Database of Health Insurance Claims in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Cost-benefit is an important consideration for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in Japan, where 1.5 million patients were reported to receive first-line eradication annually. This study aimed to identify the optimal cost-saving triple therapy regimen for H. pylori eradication in Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study used data from a large-scale, nationwide health insurance claims database (2015‒2018). Using success rates of first-line eradication, mean total costs of first-line and second-line eradications per patient were compared between regimens including a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) or a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and between two clarithromycin (CAM) doses (400 and 800 mg/day). Subgroup analyses by smoking habit or body mass index (BMI) were performed. RESULTS: Among propensity score (age, gender, CAM dose, disease name)-matched patients (P-CAB regimen, n=22,002; PPI regimen, n=22,002), total costs were lower with the P-CAB than the PPI regimen (Japanese yen [JPY] 12,952 vs 13,146) owing to significantly higher first-line eradication rates with the P-CAB regimen (93.6% vs 79.7%; p<0.001). For both regimens, even among current smokers or patients with BMI ≥25 kg/m2, eradication rates did not differ by CAM dose, and total costs were approximately JPY1000 lower with CAM 400 mg/day than with CAM 800 mg/day. CONCLUSION: High success rate of first-line eradication contributes to saving in total eradication costs by reducing costs of subsequent therapy, irrespective of patients' smoking status or BMI class. The combination of more potent acid-inhibitory medicine and low-dose CAM may be the optimal regimen in terms of efficacy and cost-benefit in Japan.

Discovery of Novel and Highly Selective Cyclopropane ALK Inhibitors through a Fragment-Assisted, Structure-Based Drug Design.

Fragment screening is frequently used for hit identification. However, there was no report starting from a small fragment for the development of an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, despite the number of ALK inhibitors reported. We began our research with the fragment hit F-1 and our subsequent linker design, and its docking analysis yielded novel cis-1,2,2-trisubstituted cyclopropane 1. The fragment information was integrated with a structure-based approach to improve upon the selectivity over tropomyosin receptor kinase A, leading to the potent and highly selective ALK inhibitor, 4-trifluoromethylphenoxy-cis-1,2,2-trisubstituted cyclopropane 12. This work shows that fragments become a powerful tool for both lead generation and optimization, such as the improvement of selectivity, by combining them with a structure-based drug design approach, resulting in the fast and efficient development of a novel, potent, and highly selective compound.

Two methods for catalytic generation of reactive enolates promoted by a chiral poly gd complex: application to catalytic enantioselective protonation reactions.

A chiral polynuclear Gd complex derived from Gd(O(i)Pr)(3) and FujiCAPO (2 or 3) catalytically generated Gd enolates through two distinct methods; transmetalation from enol silyl ethers and conjugate addition of cyanide to alpha,beta-unsaturated N-acyl pyrroles. These chiral enolates can be enantioselectively protonated by a proton in an asymmetric environment in the polynuclear catalyst. Thus, catalytic enantioselective protonation of enol silyl ethers was promoted by the Gd catalyst (5-10 mol %) in the presence of a stoichiometric amount of 2,6-dimethylphenol. Kinetic studies and dependencies of the enantioselectivity on the silyl group structure and the proton source suggest that the reaction proceeds through a Gd enolate generated through transmetalation. Moreover, the same Gd complex (5-10 mol %) promoted conjugate addition of a cyanide-enantioselective protonation sequential reaction from alpha,beta-unsaturated N-acyl pyrroles. Because Gd isocyanide was determined to be the active nucleophile in the conjugate addition catalyzed by the Gd complex, enantioselective protonation likely proceeded through a Gd enolate in this case as well. The products are versatile dual functional chiral building blocks for organic synthesis.

Discovery of Potent, Selective, and Brain-Penetrant 1 H-Pyrazol-5-yl-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- b]pyridines as Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Inhibitors.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family, is predominantly expressed in the brain and implicated in neuronal development and cognition. However, the detailed function of ALK in the central nervous system (CNS) is still unclear. To elucidate the role of ALK in the CNS, it was necessary to discover a potent, selective, and brain-penetrant ALK inhibitor. Scaffold hopping and lead optimization of N-(2,4-difluorobenzyl)-3-(1 H-pyrazol-5-yl)imidazo[1,2- b]pyridazin-6-amine 1 guided by a cocrystal structure of compound 1 bound to ALK resulted in the identification of (6-(1-(5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)ethoxy)-1-(5-methyl-1 H-pyrazol-3-yl)-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- b]pyridin-3-yl)((2 S)-2-methylmorpholin-4-yl)methanone 13 as a highly potent, selective, and brain-penetrable compound. Intraperitoneal administration of compound 13 significantly decreased the phosphorylated-ALK (p-ALK) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in the mouse brain. These results suggest that compound 13 could serve as a useful chemical probe to elucidate the mechanism of ALK-mediated brain functions and the therapeutic potential of ALK inhibition.

Key role of the Lewis base position in asymmetric bifunctional catalysis: design and evaluation of a new ligand for chiral polymetallic catalysts.

New chiral ligands for asymmetric polymetallic catalysts were designed on the basis of the assumption that the higher-order assembly structure is stabilized by modifying the modular unit. The designed ligands 6 and 7 contained a scaffolding cyclohexane ring with a Lewis base phosphine oxide directly attached to the scaffold. A module in the polymetallic complex contains two metals per ligand, and a stable 6-, 5-, 5-membered fused chelation ring system should be generated. Synthesis of these ligands is simple and high yielding, using a catalytic dynamic kinetic resolution promoted by the Trost catalyst as a key step. Ligand function was assessed in a catalytic asymmetric ring-opening reaction of meso-aziridines with TMSCN, a useful reaction for the synthesis of optically active beta-amino acids. The Gd complex generated from Gd(OiPr)3 and the ligand was a highly active and enantioselective catalyst in this reaction. Enantioselectivity was reversed compared to the previously reported d-glucose-derived catalyst containing the same chirality of the individual module. ESI-MS analysis and X-ray crystallographic studies indicate that the assembly state of the modules in the polymetallic catalysts differs depending on the chiral ligand. The difference in the higher-order structure stems from a subtle change (one carbon) in the position of the Lewis base relative to the Gd metal. The change in the higher-order structure of the polymetallic complex led to a dramatic reversal of the enantioselectivity and increased catalyst activity.

Catalytic enantioselective desymmetrization of meso-N-acylaziridines with TMSCN.

A catalytic enantioselective desymmetrization of meso-N-p-nitrobenzoylaziridines with TMSCN was developed using a chiral gadolinium catalyst generated from Gd(OiPr)3 and d-glucose-derived ligand 1. In this reaction, the addition of a catalytic amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) improved enantioselectivity. High enantioselectivity was obtained from a range of meso-aziridines at 0-60 degrees C. The product could be easily transformed into beta-amino acids. Thus, the developed catalytic enantioselective desymmetrization reaction allowed for efficient catalytic synthesis of chiral cyclic beta-amino acids. The incorporation of TFA into the catalyst complex was observed using ESI-MS. Generation of this new complex might be the origin of the improved enantioselectivity.