CRTH2 antagonist MK-7246: a synthetic evolution from discovery through development.

In this paper, we report the development of different synthetic routes to MK-7246 (1) designed by the Process Chemistry group. The syntheses were initially designed as an enabling tool for Medicinal Chemistry colleagues in order to rapidly explore structure-activity relationships (SAR) and to procure the first milligrams of diverse target molecules for in vitro evaluation. The initial aziridine opening/cyclodehydration strategy was also directly amenable to the first GMP deliveries of MK-7246 (1), streamlining the transition from milligram to kilogram-scale production needed to support early preclinical and clinical evaluation of this compound. Subsequently a more scalable and cost-effective manufacturing route to MK-7246 (1) was engineered. Highlights of the manufacturing route include an Ir-catalyzed intramolecular N-H insertion of sulfoxonium ylide 41 and conversion of ketone 32 to amine 31 in a single step with excellent enantioselectivity through a transaminase process. Reactions such as these illustrate the enabling impact and efficiency gains that innovative developments in chemo- and biocatalysis can have on the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant target molecules.

Discovery of MK-7246, a selective CRTH2 antagonist for the treatment of respiratory diseases.

In this manuscript we wish to report the discovery of MK-7246 (4), a potent and selective CRTH2 (DP2) antagonist. SAR studies leading to MK-7246 along with two synthetic sequences enabling the preparation of this novel class of CRTH2 antagonist are reported. Finally, the pharmacokinetic and metabolic profile of MK-7246 is disclosed.

Enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of terminal alkynes and alkenyl isocyanates: mechanistic insights lead to a unified model that rationalizes product selectivity.

This manuscript describes the development and scope of the asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes and alkenyl isocyanates leading to the formation of indolizidine and quinolizidine scaffolds. The use of phosphoramidite ligands proved crucial for avoiding competitive terminal alkyne dimerization. Both aliphatic and aromatic terminal alkynes participate well, with product selectivity a function of both the steric and electronic character of the alkyne. Manipulation of the phosphoramidite ligand leads to tuning of enantio- and product selectivity, with a complete turnover in product selectivity seen with aliphatic alkynes when moving from Taddol-based to biphenol-based phosphoramidites. Terminal and 1,1-disubstituted olefins are tolerated with nearly equal efficacy. Examination of a series of competition experiments in combination with analysis of reaction outcome shed considerable light on the operative catalytic cycle. Through a detailed study of a series of X-ray structures of rhodium(cod)chloride/phosphoramidite complexes, we have formulated a mechanistic hypothesis that rationalizes the observed product selectivity.

Regioselective rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkynes and isocyanates to form pyridones.

A highly regioselective rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes with a variety of isocyanates to provide 2- and 4-pyridones has been developed. This reaction proceeds in good to excellent yields and overcomes the problem of dimerization and trimerization through the use of phosphoramidite ligands. A CO migration in the metallacycle is proposed to account for the formation of 4-pyridone.

Total synthesis of indolizidine alkaloid (-)-209D: overriding substrate bias in the asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition.

CO! You had me at hello: The use of chiral biphenyl-based phosphoramidite ligands on rhodium provides an efficient [2+2+2] cycloaddition between terminal alkyl alkynes and alkenyl isocyanates (see scheme). The cycloaddition proceeds through a CO migration pathway, and facilitates a rapid four-step asymmetric synthesis of indolizidine (-)-209D.

Enantioselective synthesis of indolizidines bearing quaternary substituted stereocenters via rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkenyl isocyanates and terminal alkynes.

An enantioselective synthesis of indolizidines bearing quaternary substituted stereocenters by way of a rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of substituted alkenyl isocyanates and terminal alkynes is described. The reaction provides lactam products using aliphatic alkynes, whereas aryl alkynes give rise to vinylogous amide products. Through modification of the phosphoramidite ligand, high levels of enantioselectivity, regioselectivity, and product selectivity are obtained for both products.

Enantioselective palladium(II)-catalyzed formal [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of 2-allyloxypyridines and related heterocycles.

Enantioselective palladium(II)-catalyzed formal [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of (E)- and (Z)-allyloxy substituted N-heterocycles generates N-allyl N-heterocyclic amides in good yields and high enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee). The chiral palladacycle COP-Cl (5 mol %) is used as a catalyst with silver(I) trifluoroacetate (10 mol %) at 35-45 degrees C. Examples of heterocycles synthesized include 2-pyridones, quinolin-2(1H)-ones, and isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones.

Palladium-catalyzed allylic transposition of (allyloxy) iminodiazaphospholidines: a formal [3,3]-aza-phospha-oxa-Cope sigmatropic rearrangement for the stereoselective synthesis of allylic amines.

The synthesis of N-protected allylic amines has been achieved utilizing a palladium(II)-catalyzed, [3,3]-rearrangement of (allyloxy) iminodiazaphospholidines. This [3,3]-aza-phospha-oxa-Cope sigmatropic rearrangement reaction is thermodynamically driven by a P=N to P=O interconversion and is an alternative to the Overman rearrangement. The overall process involves the nucleophilic displacement of an allylic alcohol onto a P(III) precursor, followed by a Staudinger reaction to generate the (allyloxy) iminodiazaphospholidine precursors. Pd(II)-catalyzed [3,3]-aza-phospha-oxa-Cope rearrangement then gives a phosphoramide, which is readily hydrolyzed under acidic conditions to yield allylic amine derivatives. Pd(II) catalysis is believed to occur in a fashion analogous to that of the rearrangement of allylic imidates. The scope of racemic, diastereoselective, and enantioselective variants of this rearrangement is described. The use of chiral diamine auxiliaries in diastereoselective rearrangements is reported. Rearrangement of chiral N,N'-dimethyl cyclohexanediamine derived diazaphospholidines gives rise to phosphoramides with moderate diastereoselectivities (up to 3.5:1 dr). The same major diastereomeric product in these rearrangements was prepared irrespective of the starting allylic alcohol geometry. An enantioselective variant of the reaction was demonstrated for the rearrangement of cis-(allyloxy) iminodiazaphospholidines with cobalt oxazoline palladacycle (COP-X) catalysts (5 mol %) in high yield and enantioselectivity (up to 96% ee).

Effect of ethnicity on the risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer following long-term PUVA therapy.

BACKGROUND: Research demonstrating an increased incidence of skin cancer with psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy has reflected the Caucasian experience. Our objective was to review the literature on skin cancer risk associated with long-term PUVA therapy in non-Caucasians. METHODS: Our analysis included 4,294 long-term PUVA patients in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Egypt, and Tunisia with a follow-up period of at least 5 years. RESULTS: The relative risk of PUVA patients developing nonmelanoma skin cancer relative to general dermatology outpatients was 0.86 [CI 0.36-1.35]. CONCLUSIONS: There does not appear to be an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer with long-term PUVA therapy in Asian and Arabian-African populations. Therefore, in phototherapy risk assessment, it is important to consider the patient's skin phototype and the potential protection that more pigmented skin may confer.