RG7774 (Vicasinabin), an orally bioavailable cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) agonist, decreases retinal vascular permeability, leukocyte adhesion, and ocular inflammation in animal models.

Introduction: Preclinical studies suggest that cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) activation has a therapeutic effect in animal models on chronic inflammation and vascular permeability, which are key pathological features of diabetic retinopathy (DR). A novel CB2R agonist, triazolopyrimidine RG7774, was generated through lead optimization of a high-throughput screening hit. The aim of this study was to characterize the pharmacology, absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity (ADMET) profile of RG7774, and to explore its potential for managing the key pathological features associated with retinal disease in rodents. Methods: The in vitro pharmacology of RG7774 was investigated for CB2R binding and receptor activation using recombinant human and mouse CB2R expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and endogenous CB2R expression in human Jurkat cells, and rat and mouse spleen cells. The ADMET profile was evaluated and the effects of RG7774 on retinal permeability, leukocyte adhesion, and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) were investigated in rodent models of retinal disease. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters and the exposure-response relationship were characterized in healthy animals and in animals with laser-induced CNV. Results: RG7774 was found to be a potent (EC50: 2.8 nM and Ki: 51.3 nM), selective, and full CB2R agonist with no signs of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) binding or activation. The ligand showed a favorable ADMET profile and exhibited systemic and ocular exposure after oral delivery. Functional potency in vitro translated from recombinant to endogenous expression systems. In vivo, orally administered RG7774 reduced retinal permeability and leukocyte adhesion in rodents with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced uveitis and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR, and reduced lesion areas in rats with laser-induced CNV with an ED50 of 0.32 mg/kg. Anatomically, RG7774 reduced the migration of retinal microglia to retinal lesions. Discussion: RG7774 is a novel, highly selective, and orally bioavailable CB2R agonist, with an acceptable systemic and ocular PK profile, and beneficial effects on retinal vascular permeability, leukocyte adhesion, and ocular inflammation in rodent animal models. Results support the development of RG7774 as a potential treatment for retinal diseases with similar pathophysiologies as addressed by the animal models.

Behavioral analysis through the lifespan of disc1 mutant zebrafish identifies defects in sensorimotor transformation.

DISC1 is a genetic risk factor for multiple psychiatric disorders. Compared to the dozens of murine Disc1 models, there is a paucity of zebrafish disc1 models-an organism amenable to high-throughput experimentation. We conducted the longitudinal neurobehavioral analysis of disc1 mutant zebrafish across key stages of life. During early developmental stages, disc1 mutants exhibited abrogated behavioral responses to sensory stimuli across multiple testing platforms. Moreover, during exposure to an acoustic sensory stimulus, loss of disc1 resulted in the abnormal activation of neurons in the pallium, cerebellum, and tectum-anatomical sites involved in the integration of sensory perception and motor control. In adulthood, disc1 mutants exhibited sexually dimorphic reduction in anxiogenic behavior in novel paradigms. Together, these findings implicate disc1 in sensorimotor processes and the genesis of anxiogenic behaviors, which could be exploited for the development of novel treatments in addition to investigating the biology of sensorimotor transformation in the context of disc1 deletion.

Discovery of Balovaptan, a Vasopressin 1a Receptor Antagonist for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

We recently reported the discovery of a potent, selective, and brain-penetrant V1a receptor antagonist, which was not suitable for full development. Nevertheless, this compound was found to improve surrogates of social behavior in adults with autism spectrum disorder in an exploratory proof-of-mechanism study. Here we describe scaffold hopping that gave rise to triazolobenzodiazepines with improved pharmacokinetic properties. The key to balancing potency and selectivity while minimizing P-gp mediated efflux was fine-tuning of hydrogen bond acceptor basicity. Ascertaining a V1a antagonist specific brain activity pattern by pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging in the rat played a seminal role in guiding optimization efforts, culminating in the discovery of balovaptan (RG7314, RO5285119) 1. In a 12-week clinical phase 2 study in adults with autism spectrum disorder balovaptan demonstrated improvements in Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Scales, a secondary end point comprising communication, socialization, and daily living skills. Balovaptan entered phase 3 clinical development in August 2018.

Selective Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Agonists as Potential Therapeutic Drugs for the Treatment of Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis.

(1) Background: The cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) is a promising anti-inflammatory drug target and development of selective CB2R ligands may be useful for treating sight-threatening ocular inflammation. (2) Methods: This study examined the pharmacology of three novel chemically-diverse selective CB2R ligands: CB2R agonists, RO6871304, and RO6871085, as well as a CB2R inverse agonist, RO6851228. In silico molecular modelling and in vitro cell-based receptor assays were used to verify CB2R interactions, binding, cell signaling (ß-arrestin and cAMP) and early absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicology (ADMET) profiling of these receptor ligands. All ligands were evaluated for their efficacy to modulate leukocyte-neutrophil activity, in comparison to the reported CB2R ligand, HU910, using an in vivo mouse model of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in wild-type (WT) and CB2R-/- mice. The actions of RO6871304 on neutrophil migration and adhesion were examined in vitro using isolated neutrophils from WT and CB2R-/- mice, and in vivo in WT mice with EIU using adoptive transfer of WT and CB2R-/- neutrophils, respectively. (3) Results: Molecular docking studies indicated that RO6871304 and RO6871085 bind to the orthosteric site of CB2R. Binding studies and cell signaling assays for RO6871304 and RO6871085 confirmed high-affinity binding to CB2R and selectivity for CB2R > CB1R, with both ligands acting as full agonists in cAMP and ß-arrestin assays (EC50s in low nM range). When tested in EIU, topical application of RO6871304 and RO6871085 decreased leukocyte-endothelial adhesion and this effect was antagonized by the inverse agonist, RO6851228. The CB2R agonist, RO6871304, decreased in vitro neutrophil migration of WT neutrophils but not neutrophils from CB2R-/-, and attenuated adhesion of adoptively-transferred leukocytes in EIU. (4) Conclusions: These unique ligands are potent and selective for CB2R and have good immunomodulating actions in the eye. RO6871304 and RO6871085, as well as HU910, decreased leukocyte adhesion in EIU through inhibition of resident ocular immune cells. The data generated with these three structurally-diverse and highly-selective CB2R agonists support selective targeting of CB2R for treating ocular inflammatory diseases.

NF-κB activation in astrocytes drives a stage-specific beneficial neuroimmunological response in ALS.

Astrocytes are involved in non-cell-autonomous pathogenic cascades in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); however, their role is still debated. We show that astrocytic NF-κB activation drives microglial proliferation and leukocyte infiltration in the SOD1 (G93A) ALS model. This response prolongs the presymptomatic phase, delaying muscle denervation and decreasing disease burden, but turns detrimental in the symptomatic phase, accelerating disease progression. The transition corresponds to a shift in the microglial phenotype showing two effects that can be dissociated by temporally controlling NF-κB activation. While NF-κB activation in astrocytes induced a Wnt-dependent microglial proliferation in the presymptomatic phase with neuroprotective effects on motoneurons, in later stage, astrocyte NF-κB-dependent microglial activation caused an accelerated disease progression. Notably, suppression of the early microglial response by CB2R agonists had acute detrimental effects. These data identify astrocytes as important regulators of microglia expansion and immune response. Therefore, stage-dependent microglia modulation may be an effective therapeutic strategy in ALS.

Novel Triazolopyrimidine-Derived Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Agonists as Potential Treatment for Inflammatory Kidney Diseases.

The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) system is described to modulate various pathological conditions, including inflammation and fibrosis. A series of new heterocyclic small-molecule CB2 receptor agonists were identified from a high-throughput screen. Lead optimization gave access to novel, highly potent, and selective (over CB1) triazolopyrimidine derivatives. A preliminary structure-activity relationship was established, and physicochemical properties in this compound class were significantly improved toward better solubility, lipophilicity, and microsomal stability. An optimized triazolopyrimidine derivative, (3S)-1-[5-tert-butyl-3-[(1-cyclopropyltetrazol-5-yl)methyl]triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]pyrrolidin-3-ol (39), was tested in a kidney ischemia-reperfusion model, in which it showed efficacy at a dose of 10 mg kg(-1) (p.o.). A significant depletion of the three measured kidney markers indicated a protective role of CB2 receptor activation toward inflammatory kidney damage. Compound 39 was also protective in a model of renal fibrosis. Oral treatment with 39 at 3 mg kg(-1) per day significantly decreased the amount of fibrosis by ∼ 40% which was induced by unilateral ureter obstruction.

Discovery of highly selective brain-penetrant vasopressin 1a antagonists for the potential treatment of autism via a chemogenomic and scaffold hopping approach.

From a micromolar high throughput screening hit 7, the successful complementary application of a chemogenomic approach and of a scaffold hopping exercise rapidly led to a low single digit nanomolar human vasopressin 1a (hV1a) receptor antagonist 38. Initial optimization of the mouse V1a activities delivered suitable tool compounds which demonstrated a V1a mediated central in vivo effect. This novel series was further optimized through parallel synthesis with a focus on balancing lipophilicity to achieve robust aqueous solubility while avoiding P-gp mediated efflux. These efforts led to the discovery of the highly potent and selective brain-penetrant hV1a antagonist RO5028442 (8) suitable for human clinical studies in people with autism.

Adventures in drug-like chemistry space: from oxetanes to spiroazetidines and beyond!

Recently we have documented research efforts aimed at new classes of oxetanes as well as spiroheteroalicyclic ring systems (which we have termed 'Compact Modules') designed to expand the palette of tailored module scaffolds available to medicinal chemists, which constitute an important role for synthetic chemistry in the drug discovery process. An essential component for this process is to provide access to specific molecular topologies with functional group diversity, essential for generating leads that discriminate among biological targets, therefore promoting selectivity and enhancing the safety profile of the final clinical candidates.

Construction of multifunctional modules for drug discovery: synthesis of novel thia/oxa-azaspiro[3.4]octanes.

New classes of thia/oxa-azaspiro[3.4]octanes are synthesized through the implementation of robust and step-economic routes. The targeted spirocycles have been designed to act as novel, multifunctional, and structurally diverse modules for drug discovery. Furthermore, enantioselective approaches to the spirocycles are reported.

Synthesis and stability of oxetane analogs of thalidomide and lenalidomide.

Oxetanes are used in drug discovery to enable physicochemical and metabolic property enhancement for the structures to which they are grafted. An imide C═O to oxetane swap on thalidomide and lenalidomide templates provides analogs with similar physicochemical and in vitro properties of the parent drugs, with an important exception: oxetane analog 2 displays a clear differentiation with respect to human plasma stability. The prospect of limiting in vivo stability/metabolism, blocking in vivo racemization, and potentially altering teratogenicity is appealing.

BACE1 inhibitors: a head group scan on a series of amides.

A series of amides bearing a variety of amidine head groups was investigated as BACE1 inhibitors with respect to inhibitory activity in a BACE1 enzyme as well as a cell-based assay. Determination of their basicity as well as their properties as substrates of P-glycoprotein revealed that a 2-amino-1,3-oxazine head group would be a suitable starting point for further development of brain penetrating compounds for potential Alzheimer's disease treatment.

ß-Secretase (BACE1) inhibitors with high in vivo efficacy suitable for clinical evaluation in Alzheimer's disease.

An extensive fluorine scan of 1,3-oxazines revealed the power of fluorine(s) to lower the pKa and thereby dramatically change the pharmacological profile of this class of BACE1 inhibitors. The CF3 substituted oxazine 89, a potent and highly brain penetrant BACE1 inhibitor, was able to reduce significantly CSF Aß40 and 42 in rats at oral doses as low as 1 mg/kg. The effect was long lasting, showing a significant reduction of Aß40 and 42 even after 24 h. In contrast to 89, compound 1b lacking the CF3 group was virtually inactive in vivo.

Highly potent and selective cannabinoid receptor 2 agonists: initial hit optimization of an adamantyl hit series identified from high-through-put screening.

A series of highly potent & selective adamantane derived CB2 agonists was identified in a high-throughput screen. A SAR was established and physicochemical properties were significantly improved. This was accompanied by potency of the compounds on the Q63R variant and varying ß-arrestin data which will support the insight into their relevance for the in vivo situation.

Synthesis of novel azaspiro[3.4]octanes as multifunctional modules in drug discovery.

Step-economic and scalable syntheses of novel thia-azaspiro[3.4]octanes are reported. These spirocycles and some related intermediates can serve as uncharted multifunctional modules for drug discovery chemistry.

Oxetanes as versatile elements in drug discovery and synthesis.

Sizable resources, both financial and human, are invested each year in the development of new pharmaceutical agents. However, despite improved techniques, the new compounds often encounter difficulties in satisfying and overcoming the numerous physicochemical and many pharmacological constraints and hurdles. Oxetanes have been shown to improve key properties when grafted onto molecular scaffolds. Of particular interest are oxetanes that are substituted only in the 3-position, since such units remain achiral and their introduction into a molecular scaffold does not create a new stereocenter. This Minireview gives an overview of the recent advances made in the preparation and use of 3-substituted oxetanes. It also includes a discussion of the site-dependent modifications of various physicochemical and biochemical properties that result from the incorporation of the oxetane unit in molecular architectures.

Synthesis and structural analysis of a new class of azaspiro[3.3]heptanes as building blocks for medicinal chemistry.

Straightforward access toward previously unreported substituted, heterocyclic spiro[3.3]heptanes is disclosed. These spirocyclic systems may be considered as alternatives to 1,3-heteroatom-substituted cyclohexanes, which are otherwise insufficiently stable to allow their use in drug discovery. Conformational details are discussed on the basis of X-ray crystallographic structures.

Oxetanes in drug discovery: structural and synthetic insights.

An oxetane can trigger profound changes in aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, metabolic stability, and conformational preference when replacing commonly employed functionalities such as gem-dimethyl or carbonyl groups. The magnitude of these changes depends on the structural context. Thus, by substitution of a gem-dimethyl group with an oxetane, aqueous solubility may increase by a factor of 4 to more than 4000 while reducing the rate of metabolic degradation in most cases. The incorporation of an oxetane into an aliphatic chain can cause conformational changes favoring synclinal rather than antiplanar arrangements of the chain. Additionally spirocyclic oxetanes (e.g., 2-oxa-6-aza-spiro[3.3]heptane) bear remarkable analogies to commonly used fragments in drug discovery, such as morpholine, and are even able to supplant the latter in its solubilizing ability. A rich chemistry of oxetan-3-one and derived Michael acceptors provide venues for the preparation of a broad variety of novel oxetanes not previously documented, thus providing the foundation for their broad use in chemistry and drug discovery.

Benzodioxoles: novel cannabinoid-1 receptor inverse agonists for the treatment of obesity.

The application of the evolutionary fragment-based de novo design tool TOPology Assigning System (TOPAS), starting from a known CB1R (CB-1 receptor) ligand, followed by further refinement principles, including pharmacophore compliance, chemical tractability, and drug likeness, allowed the identification of benzodioxoles as a novel CB1R inverse agonist series. Extensive multidimensional optimization was rewarded by the identification of promising lead compounds, showing in vivo activity. These compounds reversed the CP-55940-induced hypothermia in Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice and reduced body-weight gain, as well as fat mass, in diet-induced obese Sprague-Dawley rats. Herein, we disclose the tools and strategies that were employed for rapid hit identification, synthesis and generation of structure-activity relationships, ultimately leading to the identification of (+)-[( R)-2-(2,4-dichloride-phenyl)-6-fluoro-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl]-morpholin-4-yl-methanone ( R)-14g . Biochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic characteristics of ( R)-14g are discussed.