RESUMO
HCV NS5A inhibitors have demonstrated impressive in vitro virologic profiles in HCV replicon assays and robust HCV RNA titer reduction in the clinic making them attractive components for inclusion in an all oral fixed-dose combination (FDC) regimen for the treatment of HCV infection. Merck's effort in this area identified MK-4882 and MK-8325 as early development leads. Herein, we describe the discovery of potent macrocyclic NS5A inhibitors bearing the MK-8325 or MK-4882 core structure.
Assuntos
Antivirais/farmacologia , Descoberta de Drogas , Hepacivirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Compostos Heterocíclicos de 4 ou mais Anéis/farmacologia , Compostos Macrocíclicos/farmacologia , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Antivirais/síntese química , Antivirais/química , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Hepatite C/tratamento farmacológico , Compostos Heterocíclicos de 4 ou mais Anéis/síntese química , Compostos Heterocíclicos de 4 ou mais Anéis/química , Compostos Macrocíclicos/síntese química , Compostos Macrocíclicos/química , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Estrutura Molecular , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Replicação Viral/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
HCV infections are the leading causes for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation in the United States. Recent advances in drug discovery have identified direct acting antivirals which have significantly improved cure rates in patients. Current efforts are directed towards identification of novel direct acting antiviral targeting different mechanism of actions which could become part of all oral therapies. We recently disclosed the identification of a novel tricyclic indole derived inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase that bound to the enzyme close to the active site. In this manuscript we describe further optimization of potency and pharmacokinetics (PK) of these inhibitors to identify compounds in low nM potency against gt-1b. These analogs also demonstrate excellent PK in rats and monkeys when administered as a dimethyl ethyl amino ester prodrug.
Assuntos
Ésteres/farmacocinética , Hepacivirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Indóis/farmacocinética , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Administração Oral , Animais , Descoberta de Drogas , Ésteres/química , Haplorrinos , Hepacivirus/enzimologia , Humanos , Indóis/química , Pró-Fármacos/farmacologia , Ratos , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
The discovery of lead compound 2e was described. Its covalent binding to HCV NS5B polymerase enzyme was investigated by X-ray analysis. The results of distribution, metabolism and pharmacokinetics were reported. Compound 2e was demonstrated to be potent (replicon GT-1b EC50 = 0.003 µM), highly selective, and safe in in vitro and in vivo assays.
Assuntos
Inibidores Enzimáticos/química , Hepacivirus/enzimologia , Indóis/química , Quinolinas/química , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Animais , Cristalografia por Raios X , Cães , Avaliação Pré-Clínica de Medicamentos , Ativação Enzimática/efeitos dos fármacos , Inibidores Enzimáticos/síntese química , Inibidores Enzimáticos/farmacocinética , Inibidores Enzimáticos/farmacologia , Haplorrinos , Humanos , Indóis/síntese química , Indóis/farmacocinética , Indóis/farmacologia , Masculino , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Ligação Proteica , Estrutura Terciária de Proteína , Quinolinas/síntese química , Quinolinas/farmacocinética , Quinolinas/farmacologia , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/metabolismoRESUMO
The characterization of HCV genome has identified various vital functional proteins involved in the life cycle of hepatitis C virus. This has resulted in many novel enzymatic targets that are potential for development of therapeutic agents. The HCV RNA dependent RNA polymerase (HCV NS5B) is one such essential enzyme for HCV replication that has been well characterized and studied by various groups to develop novel therapies for hepatitis C. In this paper, we describe our efforts towards the identification and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of novel tricyclic indole derivatives that bind close to the palm site of the NS5B polymerase. X-ray crystal structure of an inhibitor bound to the polymerase is also described.
Assuntos
Antivirais/química , Antivirais/farmacologia , Hepacivirus/enzimologia , Indóis/química , Indóis/farmacologia , RNA Polimerase Dependente de RNA/antagonistas & inibidores , Sítios de Ligação , Cristalografia por Raios X , Hepacivirus/química , Hepatite C/tratamento farmacológico , Hepatite C/virologia , Humanos , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , RNA Polimerase Dependente de RNA/química , RNA Polimerase Dependente de RNA/metabolismo , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
Development of SAR at the C2 position of indole lead 1, a palm site inhibitor of HCV NS5B polymerase (NS5B IC(50)=0.053µM, replicon EC(50)=4.8µM), is described. Initial screening identified an acyl sulfonamide moiety as an isostere for the C2 carboxylic acid group. Further SAR investigation resulted in identification of acyl sufonamide analog 7q (NS5B IC(50)=0.039µM, replicon EC(50)=0.011µM) with >100-fold improved replicon activity.
Assuntos
Antivirais/farmacologia , Indóis/química , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Química Farmacêutica/métodos , Cristalografia por Raios X/métodos , Desenho de Fármacos , Humanos , Ligação de Hidrogênio , Concentração Inibidora 50 , Modelos Químicos , Modelos Moleculares , Conformação Molecular , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Sulfonamidas/químicaRESUMO
SAR development of indole-based palm site inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase exemplified by initial indole lead 1 (NS5B IC(50)=0.9 µM, replicon EC(50)>100 µM) is described. Structure-based drug design led to the incorporation of novel heterocyclic moieties at the indole C3-position which formed a bidentate interaction with the protein backbone. SAR development resulted in leads 7q (NS5B IC(50)=0.032 µM, replicon EC(50)=1.4 µM) and 7r (NS5B IC(50)=0.017 µM, replicon EC(50)=0.3 µM) with improved enzyme and replicon activity.
Assuntos
Descoberta de Drogas , Inibidores Enzimáticos/farmacologia , Compostos Heterocíclicos/farmacologia , Indóis/farmacologia , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Ácidos Carboxílicos , Domínio Catalítico/efeitos dos fármacos , Cristalografia por Raios X , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Inibidores Enzimáticos/síntese química , Inibidores Enzimáticos/química , Compostos Heterocíclicos/síntese química , Compostos Heterocíclicos/química , Indóis/síntese química , Indóis/química , Modelos Moleculares , Estrutura Molecular , Estereoisomerismo , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/metabolismoRESUMO
Extensive SAR studies of the P3 capping group led to the discovery of a series of potent inhibitors with sultam and cyclic sulfonyl urea moieties as the P3 capping. The bicyclic thiophene-sultam or phenyl-sultam cappings were selected for further SAR development. Modification at the P3 side chain determined that the tert-butyl group was the best choice at that position. Optimization of P1 residue significantly improved potency and selectivity. The combination of optimal moieties at all positions led to the discovery of compound 33. This compound had the best overall profile in potency and PK profile: excellent K(i)(*) of 5.3 nM and activity in replicon (EC(90)) of 80 nM, extremely high selectivity of 6100, and a good rat PO AUC of 1.43 microMh.
Assuntos
Antivirais/síntese química , Antivirais/farmacologia , Hepacivirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Inibidores de Proteases/síntese química , Inibidores de Proteases/farmacologia , Compostos de Sulfonilureia/síntese química , Compostos de Sulfonilureia/farmacologia , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/efeitos dos fármacos , Administração Oral , Animais , Antivirais/química , Técnicas de Química Combinatória , Desenho de Fármacos , Estrutura Molecular , Inibidores de Proteases/química , Ratos , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Compostos de Sulfonilureia/química , Tiazinas/químicaRESUMO
Starting from a pentapeptide Hepatitis C virus NS3 protease inhibitor, a number of alpha-ketoamide inhibitors based on novel dichlorocyclopropylproline P2 core were synthesized and investigated for their HCV NS3 serine protease activity. The key intermediate 3,4-dichlorocyclopropylproline was obtained through a dichloro carbene insertion to 3,4-dehydroproline. The size of the molecules was reduced significantly through a series of truncations of the initial pentapeptide. By varying P1 side chain in length and size, potency and selectivity were improved. A variety of aliphatic carbamate and urea capping groups were examined. In general, compounds with urea cappings were more potent and selective than their carbamate counterparts. The most potent compound was a tert-butyl urea analog. Variations at P3 position were also investigated. Among the three residues incorporated, tert-leucine was clearly superior, leading to compounds that had excellent enzyme potency and selectivity. The most potent compound achieved cell-based replicon assay EC50 of 40 nM. The most promising compound of all had excellent potency in both enzyme (Ki* = 9 nM) and replicon assays (EC50 = 100 nM). Its bioavailabilities were above 10% in all three animal species (rats, monkeys, and dogs). It has provided a lead for future investigations.
Assuntos
Hepacivirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Prolina/análogos & derivados , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/química , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/farmacocinética , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Animais , Disponibilidade Biológica , Haplorrinos , Prolina/farmacologia , Ratos , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/farmacologia , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Ureia/análogos & derivadosRESUMO
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease is essential for viral replication. It has been a target of choice for intensive drug discovery research. On the basis of an active pentapeptide inhibitor, 1, we envisioned that macrocyclization from the P2 proline to P3 capping could enhance binding to the backbone Ala156 residue and the S4 pocket. Thus, a number of P2 proline-based macrocyclic alpha-ketoamide inhibitors were prepared and investigated in an HCV NS3 serine protease continuous assay (K(i*)). The biological activity varied substantially depending on factors such as the ring size, number of amino acid residues, number of methyl substituents, type of heteroatom in the linker, P3 residue, and configuration at the proline C-4 center. The pentapeptide inhibitors were very potent, with the C-terminal acids and amides being the most active ones (24, K(i*) = 8 nM). The tetrapeptides and tripeptides were less potent. Sixteen- and seventeen-membered macrocyclic compounds were equally potent, while fifteen-membered analogues were slightly less active. gem-Dimethyl substituents at the linker improved the potency of all inhibitors (the best compound was 45, K(i*) = 6 nM). The combination of tert-leucine at P3 and dimethyl substituents at the linker in compound 47 realized a selectivity of 307 against human neutrophil elastase. Compound 45 had an IC(50) of 130 nM in a cellular replicon assay, while IC(50) for 24 was 400 nM. Several compounds had excellent subcutaneous AUC and bioavailability in rats. Although tripeptide compound 40 was 97% orally bioavailable, larger pentapeptides generally had low oral bioavailability. The X-ray crystal structure of compounds 24 and 45 bound to the protease demonstrated the close interaction of the macrocycle with the Ala156 methyl group and S4 pocket. The strategy of macrocyclization has been proved to be successful in improving potency (>20-fold greater than that of 1) and in structural depeptization.
Assuntos
Antivirais/síntese química , Compostos Macrocíclicos/síntese química , Prolina/análogos & derivados , Prolina/síntese química , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/síntese química , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Antivirais/farmacologia , Disponibilidade Biológica , Cristalografia por Raios X , Ciclização , Hepacivirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Elastase de Leucócito/antagonistas & inibidores , Compostos Macrocíclicos/farmacologia , Modelos Moleculares , Oligopeptídeos/síntese química , Oligopeptídeos/farmacologia , Prolina/farmacologia , Serina Endopeptidases/química , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/farmacologia , Estereoisomerismo , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/química , Replicação ViralRESUMO
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the major cause of chronic liver disease, leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, which affects more than 170 million people worldwide. Currently the only therapeutic regimens are subcutaneous interferon-alpha or polyethylene glycol (PEG)-interferon-alpha alone or in combination with oral ribavirin. Although combination therapy is reasonably successful with the majority of genotypes, its efficacy against the predominant genotype (genotype 1) is moderate at best, with only about 40% of the patients showing sustained virological response. Herein, the SAR leading to the discovery of 70 (SCH 503034), a novel, potent, selective, orally bioavailable NS3 protease inhibitor that has been advanced to clinical trials in human beings for the treatment of hepatitis C viral infections is described. X-ray structure of inhibitor 70 complexed with the NS3 protease and biological data are also discussed.
Assuntos
Antivirais/síntese química , Hepacivirus/enzimologia , Prolina/análogos & derivados , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Administração Oral , Animais , Antivirais/química , Antivirais/farmacocinética , Área Sob a Curva , Sítios de Ligação , Disponibilidade Biológica , Cristalografia por Raios X , Cães , Haplorrinos , Estrutura Molecular , Prolina/síntese química , Prolina/química , Prolina/farmacocinética , Ratos , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Distribuição Tecidual , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/químicaRESUMO
Novel 2'-modified guanosine nucleosides were synthesized from inexpensive starting materials in 7-10 steps via hydroazidation or hydrocyanation reactions of the corresponding 2'-olefin. The antiviral effectiveness of the guanosine nucleosides was evaluated by converting them to the corresponding 5'-O-triphosphates (compounds 38-44) and testing their biochemical inhibitory activity against the wild-type NS5B polymerase.
Assuntos
Antivirais/síntese química , Nucleotídeos de Guanina/síntese química , Inibidores da Síntese de Ácido Nucleico/síntese química , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Alcenos/síntese química , Azidas/síntese química , Hepacivirus/enzimologia , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/químicaRESUMO
A comprehensive study of nitration reaction of azatricyclic systems has been carried out. Whereas classical nitrations using KNO(3)-H(2)SO(4) at low temperatures gave nitrated products mainly at the 9-position, use of tetrabutylammonium nitrate-trifluoroacetic anhydride (TBAN-TFAA) resulted in exclusive nitration of the 3-position in the case carbamates 1, and 4-6 and the tricyclic ketone 7. These 3-nitro tricyclic derivatives have been valuable intermediates for the preparation of the very potent farnesyl protein transferase inhibitors such as the tricyclic pyridyl acetamide 32 and other new analogues.
RESUMO
Starting from indole-based hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase inhibitor lead compound 1, structure modifications were performed at multiple indole substituents to improve potency and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Bicyclic quinazolinone was found to be the best substituent at indole nitrogen, while 4,5-furanylindole was identified as the best core. Compound 11 demonstrated excellent potency. Its C2 N,N-dimethylaminoethyl ester prodrug 12 (SCH 900188) demonstrated significant improvement in PK and was selected as the development candidate.
RESUMO
Starting from indole-based C-3 pyridone HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor 2, structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigations of the indole N-1 benzyl moiety were performed. This study led to the discovery of irreversible inhibitors with p-fluoro-sulfone- or p-fluoro-nitro-substituted N-1 benzyl groups which achieved breakthrough replicon assay potency (EC(50) = 1 nM). The formation of a covalent bond with adjacent cysteine-366 thiol was was proved by mass spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure studies. The C-5 ethyl C-2 carboxylic acid derivative 47 had an excellent oral area-under-the-curve (AUC) of 18 µM·h (10 mg/kg). Its oral exposure in monkeys and dogs was also very good. The NMR ALARM assay, mass spectroscopy experiments, in vitro counter screening, and toxicology assays demonstrated that the covalent bond formation between compound 47 and the protein was highly selective and specific. The overall excellent profile of 47 made it an interesting candidate for further investigation.
Assuntos
Antivirais/síntese química , Hepacivirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Indóis/síntese química , Nitrocompostos/síntese química , Sulfonas/síntese química , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Animais , Antivirais/farmacocinética , Antivirais/farmacologia , Cristalografia por Raios X , Cães , Haplorrinos , Hepacivirus/enzimologia , Indóis/farmacocinética , Indóis/farmacologia , Modelos Moleculares , Estrutura Molecular , Testes de Mutagenicidade , Nitrocompostos/farmacocinética , Nitrocompostos/farmacologia , Piridonas/síntese química , Piridonas/farmacocinética , Piridonas/farmacologia , Ratos , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Sulfonas/farmacocinética , Sulfonas/farmacologiaRESUMO
Starting with the indole-based C-3 pyridone lead HCV polymerase inhibitor 2, extensive SAR studies were performed at different positions of the indole core. The best C-5 groups were found to be compact and nonpolar moieties and that the C-6 attachments were not affecting potency. Limited N-1 benzyl-type substituent studies indicated that the best substitutions were fluoro or methyl groups at 2' or 5' positions of the benzyl group. To improve pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, acylsulfonamides were incorporated as acid isosteres at the C-2 position. Further optimization of the combination at N-1, C-2, C-5, and C-6 resulted in the identification of compound 56, which had an excellent potency in both NS5B enzyme (IC(50) = 0.008 µM) and cell-based replicon (EC(50) = 0.02 µM) assays and a good oral PK profile with area-under-the curve (AUC) of 14 and 8 µM·h in rats and dogs, respectively. X-ray structure of inhibitor 56 bound to the enzyme was also reported.
Assuntos
Antivirais/síntese química , Hepacivirus/enzimologia , Indóis/síntese química , Sulfonamidas/síntese química , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Administração Oral , Animais , Antivirais/farmacocinética , Antivirais/farmacologia , Células CACO-2 , Cristalografia por Raios X , Cães , Hepacivirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Hepacivirus/genética , Humanos , Indóis/química , Indóis/farmacocinética , Indóis/farmacologia , Modelos Moleculares , Estrutura Molecular , Permeabilidade , Ratos , Replicon , Relação Estrutura-Atividade , Sulfonamidas/farmacocinética , Sulfonamidas/farmacologiaAssuntos
Hepacivirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Elastase de Leucócito/antagonistas & inibidores , Compostos Macrocíclicos/síntese química , Compostos Macrocíclicos/farmacologia , Prolina/química , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/síntese química , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/farmacologia , Cristalografia por Raios X , Hepacivirus/enzimologia , Humanos , Compostos Macrocíclicos/química , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Modelos Moleculares , Conformação Molecular , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/química , Estereoisomerismo , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
Boceprevir (SCH 503034), 1, a novel HCV NS3 serine protease inhibitor discovered in our laboratories, is currently undergoing phase III clinical trials. Detailed investigations toward a second generation protease inhibitor culminated in the discovery of narlaprevir (SCH 900518), 37, with improved potency (â¼10-fold over 1), pharmacokinetic profile and physicochemical characteristics, currently in phase II human trials. Exploration of synthetic sequence for preparation of 37 resulted in a route that required no silica gel purification for the entire synthesis.
RESUMO
S5, a hepatitis C virus protease inhibitor, displays partially saturable efflux in the Caco-2 system. In addition, the efflux can be reversed by cyclosporine, indicating that S5 may be a human P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate. S5 can also activate the ATPase activity in vesicle membranes containing mouse P-gp 1a and 1b, suggesting that S5 may be a substrate for mouse P-gp. The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of S5 were evaluated after intravenous and oral administration to wild-type and 1a/1b knockout mice. Plasma and kidney levels of this compound in knockout mice were transiently higher than those in wild-type mice only after oral dosing, indicating effective P-gp efflux occurs in wild-type mice. The levels of S5 in brain samples from knockout mice were higher than those from wild-type mice after both intravenous and oral administration, but much more significantly after intravenous administration. The levels in liver were four time higher in knockout mice than in wild-type mice after oral administration, but were not different between knockout and wild-type mice after intravenous administration. These results suggest that P-gp efflux limits exposure to S5 in the brain and liver, and that the effect is dependent on the route of administration.
Assuntos
Membro 1 da Subfamília B de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP/metabolismo , Hepacivirus/enzimologia , Inibidores de Proteases/farmacocinética , Membro 1 da Subfamília B de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP/genética , Administração Oral , Animais , Área Sob a Curva , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Células CACO-2 , Humanos , Injeções Intravenosas , Rim/metabolismo , Fígado/metabolismo , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , Distribuição TecidualRESUMO
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health crisis leading to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure in humans. Recently, we disclosed the discovery of Boceprevir, SCH 503034 (1), a novel, potent, selective, orally bioavailable NS3 protease inhibitor that is currently undergoing phase III clinical trials. Our efforts toward a second generation HCV NS3 serine protease inhibitor were directed at improving the overall profile of the inhibitor. This article will elaborate on our studies leading to the discovery of new P4 modified inhibitors with enhanced potency and improved oral bioavailability. Thus, introduction of ether and carbamate-derived P4 moieties resulted in improving the replicon potency significantly. Incorporation of the P' secondary amide residue afforded significant improvement in pharmacokinetic properties. Combining the preferred moieties, identified from comprehensive SAR studies, resulted in inhibitors that displayed superior potency and very good oral as well as target organ exposure in rats.
Assuntos
Descoberta de Drogas , Hepacivirus/enzimologia , Inibidores de Proteases/farmacologia , Inibidores de Proteases/farmacocinética , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/antagonistas & inibidores , Amidas/química , Animais , Modelos Moleculares , Conformação Molecular , Inibidores de Proteases/síntese química , Inibidores de Proteases/química , Ratos , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
Hepatitis C is the most prevalent liver disease. Viral hepatitis C (HCV), a small (+)-RNA virus, infects chronically an estimated 300 million people worldwide. Results of Phase I clinical studies with our first generation HCV inhibitor Boceprevir, SCH 503034 (1), presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) were encouraging, and thus, additional human clinical studies are underway. In view of the positive data from our first generation compound, further work aimed at optimizing its overall profile was undertaken. Herein, we report that extension of our earlier inhibitor to the P(4) pocket and optimization of the P(1)' capping led to the discovery of new ketoamide inhibitors of the HCV NS3 serine protease with improved in vitro potency. In addition to being potent inhibitors of HCV subgenomic RNA replication, some of the new P(4)-capped inhibitors were also found to have improved PK profile.