AZD0284, a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable Inverse Agonist of Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor C2.

Inverse agonists of the nuclear receptor RORC2 have been widely pursued as a potential treatment for a variety of autoimmune diseases. We have discovered a novel series of isoindoline-based inverse agonists of the nuclear receptor RORC2, derived from our recently disclosed RORC2 inverse agonist 2. Extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies resulted in AZD0284 (20), which combined potent inhibition of IL-17A secretion from primary human TH17 cells with excellent metabolic stability and good PK in preclinical species. In two preclinical in vivo studies, compound 20 reduced thymocyte numbers in mice and showed dose-dependent reduction of IL-17A containing γδ-T cells and of IL-17A and IL-22 RNA in the imiquimod induced inflammation model. Based on these data and a favorable safety profile, 20 was progressed to phase 1 clinical studies.

Potent and Orally Bioavailable Inverse Agonists of RORγt Resulting from Structure-Based Design.

Retinoic acid receptor related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), has been identified as the master regulator of TH17-cell function and development, making it an attractive target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases by a small-molecule approach. Herein, we describe our investigations on a series of 4-aryl-thienyl acetamides, which were guided by insights from X-ray cocrystal structures. Efforts in targeting the cofactor-recruitment site from the 4-aryl group on the thiophene led to a series of potent binders with nanomolar activity in a primary human-TH17-cell assay. The observation of a DMSO molecule binding in a subpocket outside the LBD inspired the introduction of an acetamide into the benzylic position of these compounds. Hereby, a hydrogen-bond interaction of the introduced acetamide oxygen with the backbone amide of Glu379 was established. This greatly enhanced the cellular activity of previously weakly cell-active compounds. The best compounds combined potent inhibition of IL-17 release with favorable PK in rodents, with compound 32 representing a promising starting point for future investigations.

Selective Nonsteroidal Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulators for the Inhaled Treatment of Pulmonary Diseases.

A class of potent, nonsteroidal, selective indazole ether-based glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SGRMs) was developed for the inhaled treatment of respiratory diseases. Starting from an orally available compound with demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in rat, a soft-drug strategy was implemented to ensure rapid elimination of drug candidates to minimize systemic GR activation. The first clinical candidate 1b (AZD5423) displayed a potent inhibition of lung edema in a rat model of allergic airway inflammation following dry powder inhalation combined with a moderate systemic GR-effect, assessed as thymic involution. Further optimization of inhaled drug properties provided a second, equally potent, candidate, 15m (AZD7594), that demonstrated an improved therapeutic ratio over the benchmark inhaled corticosteroid 3 (fluticasone propionate) and prolonged the inhibition of lung edema, indicating potential for once-daily treatment.

Structure activity relationships of fused bicyclic and urea derivatives of spirocyclic compounds as potent CCR1 antagonists.

A series of fused bicyclic and urea derivatives of spirocyclic compounds were designed, synthesised and evaluated in vitro as potent CCR1 antagonists. In particular, 4 (7nM), 44 (1.3nM), 48 (0.89nM) and 50 (0.63nM) were the most potent hCCR1 antagonists in this series of compounds. Moreover, some of these substances demonstrated good rodent cross-over, especially 46 which exhibited very high rat CCR1 binding affinity with an IC50 value of 16nM.

Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationships of zwitterionic spirocyclic compounds as potent CCR1 antagonists.

A series of zwitterionic spirocyclic compounds were synthesised. In vitro data revealed that these compounds were potent CCR1 antagonists. In particular, 2, 4, 11 and 20 inhibited CCR1 mediated chemotaxis of THP-1 cells in a functional assay.

Design, synthesis and structure activity relationships of spirocyclic compounds as potent CCR1 antagonists.

A series of CCR1 antagonists based upon spirocyclic compounds 1b and 2b were synthesised in which substituted aniline moiety was replaced with substituted benzamides. In vitro data revealed that CCR1 potency could be retained in such compounds.

Spirocyclic compounds, potent CCR1 antagonists.

Conformationally constrained spirocycles (17-23) and (31-36) were synthesised. In vitro data revealed that these compounds are CCR1 antagonists with sub-nanomolar potency. In a functional assay 22, 23 and 36 inhibited CCR1 mediated chemotaxis with an IC50 value of 2, 2.6 and 68nM, respectively.

Synthesis of GD3-lactam: a potential ligand for the development of an anti-melanoma vaccine.

The novel sialyl donor methyl (ethyl 4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-5-N,N-diacetylamino-3,5-dideoxy-2-thio-3-thiophenyl-D-erythro-beta-L-gluco-non-2-ulopyranosid)onate was used for glycosylation of a lactosyl acceptor to give the GM3-trisaccharide derivative in 83% yield. Introduction of an azido group at C-9" of the GM3-trisaccharide derivative, transformation into a glycosyl acceptor, and sialylation with the above mentioned novel sialyl donor gave a GD3-trisaccharide in 50% yield. Reduction of the azido group gave the corresponding amine, which underwent spontaneous lactamization to the GD3-[1"'-9"]-lactam in an overall yield of 86%. Removal of protecting groups of over five steps, followed by per-O-acetylation gave an acetylated GD3-[1"'-9"]-lactam TMSEt glycoside in 27% overall yield. The acetylated GD3-[1"'-9"]-lactam TMSEt glycoside is suitable for glycosylation of linker-arms and the resulting linker-glycosides are planned to be coupled to carrier proteins, thus providing immunogens for trial vaccinations against malignant melanoma.

Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of the alpha-Analogues of 1,5-Anhydrohexitol Nucleosides (1,5-Anhydro-2,3-dideoxy-D-ribohexitol Nucleosides).

1,5-Anhydro-2,3-dideoxy-D-ribohexitol nucleosides were synthesized starting from 4,6-di-O-benzyl-1,5-di-O-pivaloyl-3-deoxy-D-glucitol using a ring closure procedure. The target nucleoside adopts a (4)C(1) conformation as also demonstrated for the corresponding 1,5-anhydrohexitol nucleosides with beta-configuration of the base-substituted carbon atom. The cytosine congener demonstrated a moderate but selective activity against Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.