Acetylenic TACE inhibitors. Part 3: Thiomorpholine sulfonamide hydroxamates.

A series of thiomorpholine sulfonamide hydroxamate TACE inhibitors, all bearing propargylic ether P1' groups, was explored. In particular, compound 5h has excellent in vitro potency against isolated TACE enzyme and in cells, oral activity in a model of TNF-alpha production and a collagen-induced arthritis model, was selected as a clinical candidate for the treatment of RA.

Acetylenic TACE inhibitors. Part 2: SAR of six-membered cyclic sulfonamide hydroxamates.

The SAR of a series of potent sulfonamide hydroxamate TACE inhibitors bearing a butynyloxy P1' group was explored. In particular, compound 5k has excellent in vitro potency against TACE enzyme and in cells, and oral activity in an in vivo model of TNF-alpha production and a collagen-induced arthritis model.

Acetylenic TACE inhibitors. Part 1. SAR of the acyclic sulfonamide hydroxamates.

The SAR of a series of potent sulfonamide hydroxamate TACE inhibitors, all bearing a butynyloxy P1' group, was explored. In particular, compound 5j has excellent in vitro potency against isolated TACE enzyme and in cells, good selectivity over MMP-1 and MMP-9, and oral activity in an in vivo model of TNF-alpha production and a collagen-induced arthritis model.

Synthesis and SAR of bicyclic heteroaryl hydroxamic acid MMP and TACE inhibitors.

Potent and selective bicyclic heteroaryl hydroxamic acid MMP and TACE inhibitors were synthesized by a novel convergent route. Selectivity and efficacy versus MMPs and TACE could be controlled by appropriate substitution on the scaffolds and by variation of the P1' group. Select compounds were found to be effective in in vivo models of arthritis.

Anthranilate sulfonamide hydroxamate TACE inhibitors. Part 2: SAR of the acetylenic P1' group.

The SAR of a series of potent sulfonamide hydroxamate TACE inhibitors bearing novel acetylenic P1' groups was explored. In particular, compound 4t bearing a butynyloxy P1' moiety has excellent in vitro potency against isolated TACE enzyme and in cells, good selectivity over MMP-1 and oral activity in an in vivo model of TNF-alpha production.

The discovery of anthranilic acid-based MMP inhibitors. Part 3: incorporation of basic amines.

Anthranilic acid derivatives bearing basic amines were prepared and evaluated in vitro and in vivo as inhibitors of MMP-1, MMP-9, MMP-13, and TACE. Piperazine 4u has been identified as a potent, selective, orally active inhibitor of MMP-9 and MMP-13.

The discovery of anthranilic acid-based MMP inhibitors. Part 2: SAR of the 5-position and P1(1) groups.

A novel series of anthranilic acid-based inhibitors of MMP-1, MMP-9, MMP-13, and TACE was prepared and evaluated. Selective inhibitors of MMP-9, MMP-13, and TACE were identified, including the potent, orally active MMP-13 inhibitor 4p.

Design and synthetic considerations of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors.

Experimental evidence confirms that the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a fundamental role in a wide variety of pathologic conditions that involve connective tissue destruction including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, corneal ulceration, multiple sclerosis, periodontal disease, and atherosclerosis. Modulation of MMP regulation is possible at several biochemical sites, but direct inhibition of enzyme action provides a particularly attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Hypotheses concerning inhibition of specific MMP(s) with respect to disease target and/or side-effect profile have emerged. Examples are presented of recent advances in medicinal chemistry approaches to the design of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs), approaches that address structural requirements and that influence potency, selectivity, and bioavailability. Two important approaches to the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of MMPIs are highlighted: (1) the invention of alternatives to hydroxamic acid zinc chelators and (2) the construction of nonpeptide scaffolds. One current example in each of these two approaches from our own work is described.

The synthesis and biological activity of a novel series of diazepine MMP inhibitors.

A novel series of diazepine-based hydroxamic acid inhibitors of MMP-1, MMP-9, and MMP-13 were prepared and evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

Inhibition of interleukin-1 (IL-1) induced neutral proteases from rabbit articular chondrocytes by WY-46,135 and WY-48,989.

The effects of potential anti-osteoarthritic compounds both on the direct inhibition of collagenase and neutral protease activities and on IL-1 induced release of neutral proteases from rabbit articular chondrocytes were investigated. WY-46,135 ((+)-N-[[[(5-chloro-2-benzothiazolyl)thio]phenyl]acetyl]-L- cysteine) directly inhibited collagenase activity (IC50 = 15.4 microM). This inhibition was reversible upon dialysis. WY-46,135 also directly inhibited neutral protease activity (IC50 = 16.8 microM) but did not significantly block bacterial collagenase activity at a concentration of 80 microM. In contrast, WY-48,989 (4-[[2-(7-chloro-2-phenyl-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-4- yl)ethyl]amino]benzonitrile) did not directly inhibit either collagenase (10 microM) or neutral protease (100 microM) activity. Both WY-48,989 and WY-46,135 inhibited IL-1 stimulated release of neutral proteases (IC50 = 3 microM). The activities of these compounds represents two potential approaches for the treatment of osteoarthritis. WY-46,135 combines direct metalloprotease inhibitory activity with the inhibition of IL-1 stimulated neutral protease release from articular chondrocytes while WY-48,989 selectively inhibits the IL-1 induced release of metalloproteases.