Ethynylphenyl carbonates and carbamates as dual-action acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and anti-inflammatory agents.

Novel ethynylphenyl carbonates and carbamates containing carbon- and silicon-based choline mimics were synthesized from their respective phenol and aniline precursors and screened for anticholinesterase and anti-inflammatory activities. All molecules were micromolar inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), with IC50s of 28-86 µM; the carbamates were two-fold more potent than the carbonates. Two of the most potent AChE inhibitors suppressed 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammation by 40%. Furthermore, these molecules have physicochemical properties in the range of other CNS drugs. These molecules have the potential to treat inflammation; they could also dually target Alzheimer's disease through restoration of cholinergic balance and inflammation suppression.

Discovery of INCB3344, a potent, selective and orally bioavailable antagonist of human and murine CCR2.

Rational design based on a pharmacophore of CCR2 antagonists reported in the literature identified lead compound 9a with potent inhibitory activity against human CCR2 (hCCR2) but moderate activity against murine CCR2 (mCCR2). Modification on 9a led to the discovery of a potent CCR2 antagonist 21 (INCB3344) with IC(50) values of 5.1 nM (hCCR2) and 9.5 nM (mCCR2) in binding antagonism and 3.8 nM (hCCR2) and 7.8 nM (mCCR2) in antagonism of chemotaxis activity. INCB3344 exhibited >100-fold selectivity over other homologous chemokine receptors, a free fraction of 24% in human serum and 15% in mouse serum, and an oral bioavailability of 47% in mice, suitable as a tool compound for target validation in rodent models.

Discovery of INCB8761/PF-4136309, a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable CCR2 Antagonist.

We report the discovery of a new (S)-3-aminopyrrolidine series of CCR2 antagonists. Structure-activity relationship studies on this new series led to the identification of 17 (INCB8761/PF-4136309) that exhibited potent CCR2 antagonistic activity, high selectivity, weak hERG activity, and an excellent in vitro and in vivo ADMET profile. INCB8761/PF-4136309 has entered human clinical trials.

Discovery of INCB3284, a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable hCCR2 Antagonist.

We report the identification of 13 (INCB3284) as a potent human CCR2 (hCCR2) antagonist. INCB3284 exhibited an IC50 of 3.7 nM in antagonism of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 binding to hCCR2, an IC50 of 4.7 nM in antagonism of chemotaxis activity, an IC50 of 84 µM in inhibition of the hERG potassium current, a free fraction of 58% in protein binding, high selectivity over other chemokine receptors and G-protein-coupled receptors, and acceptable oral bioavailability in rodents and primates. In human clinical trials, INCB3284 exhibited a pharmacokinetic profile suitable for once-a-day dosing (T 1/2 = 15 h).

Discovery of INCB9471, a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable CCR5 Antagonist with Potent Anti-HIV-1 Activity.

To identify a CCR5 antagonist as an HIV-1 entry inhibitor, we designed a novel series of indane derivatives based on conformational considerations. Modification on the indane ring led to the discovery of compound 22a (INCB9471) that exhibited high affinity for CCR5, potent anti-HIV-1 activity, high receptor selectivity, excellent oral bioavailability, and a tolerated safety profile. INCB9471 has entered human clinical trials.

Enantioselective synthesis of Janus kinase inhibitor INCB018424 via an organocatalytic aza-Michael reaction.

An enantioselective synthesis of INCB018424 via organocatalytic asymmetric aza-Michael addition of pyrazoles (16 or 20) to (E)-3-cyclopentylacrylaldehyde (23) using diarylprolinol silyl ether as the catalyst was developed. Michael adducts (R)-24 and (R)-27 were isolated in good yield and high ee and were readily converted to INCB018424.