RESUMEN
The identification of a novel fused triazolo-pyrrolopyridine scaffold, optimized derivatives of which display nanomolar inhibition of Janus kinase 1, is described. Prototypical example 3 demonstrated lower cell potency shift, better permeability in cells and higher oral exposure in rat than the corresponding, previously reported, imidazo-pyrrolopyridine analogue 2. Examples 6, 7 and 18 were subsequently identified from an optimization campaign and demonstrated modest selectivity over JAK2, moderate to good oral bioavailability in rat with overall pharmacokinetic profiles comparable to that reported for an approved pan-JAK inhibitor (tofacitinib).
Asunto(s)
Janus Quinasa 1/antagonistas & inhibidores , Piridinas/farmacología , Animales , Cristalografía por Rayos X , Janus Quinasa 1/química , Janus Quinasa 2/antagonistas & inhibidores , Janus Quinasa 2/química , Cinética , Modelos Moleculares , Piridinas/química , Pirroles/química , Pirroles/farmacología , RatasRESUMEN
A therapeutic rationale is proposed for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), by specific targeting of the JAK1 pathway. Examination of the preferred binding conformation of clinically effective, pan-JAK inhibitor 1 led to identification of a novel, tricyclic hinge binding scaffold 3. Exploration of SAR through a series of cycloamino and cycloalkylamino analogues demonstrated this template to be highly tolerant of substitution, with a predisposition to moderate selectivity for the JAK1 isoform over JAK2. This study culminated in the identification of subnanomolar JAK1 inhibitors such as 22 and 49, having excellent cell potency, good rat pharmacokinetic characteristics, and excellent kinase selectivity. Determination of the binding modes of the series in JAK1 and JAK2 by X-ray crystallography supported the design of analogues to enhance affinity and selectivity.
Asunto(s)
Imidazoles/química , Janus Quinasa 1/antagonistas & inhibidores , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/química , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/farmacología , Piridinas/química , Piridinas/farmacología , Animales , Línea Celular , Janus Quinasa 1/química , Janus Quinasa 2/antagonistas & inhibidores , Janus Quinasa 2/química , Modelos Moleculares , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/síntesis química , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/farmacocinética , Estructura Terciaria de Proteína , Piridinas/síntesis química , Piridinas/farmacocinética , Ratas , Especificidad por SustratoRESUMEN
Herein we report the discovery of the C-2 methyl substituted imidazopyrrolopyridine series and its optimization to provide potent and orally bioavailable JAK1 inhibitors with selectivity over JAK2. The C-2 methyl substituted inhibitor 4 exhibited not only improved JAK1 potency relative to unsubstituted compound 3 but also notable JAK1 vs JAK2 selectivity (20-fold and >33-fold in biochemical and cell-based assays, respectively). Features of the X-ray structures of 4 in complex with both JAK1 and JAK2 are delineated. Efforts to improve the in vitro and in vivo ADME properties of 4 while maintaining JAK1 selectivity are described, culminating in the discovery of a highly optimized and balanced inhibitor (20). Details of the biological characterization of 20 are disclosed including JAK1 vs JAK2 selectivity levels, preclinical in vivo PK profiles, performance in an in vivo JAK1-mediated PK/PD model, and attributes of an X-ray structure in complex with JAK1.