Discovery of Brain-Penetrant Glucosylceramide Synthase Inhibitors with a Novel Pharmacophore.

Inhibition of glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) is a major therapeutic strategy for Gaucher's disease and has been suggested as a potential target for treating Parkinson's disease. Herein, we report the discovery of novel brain-penetrant GCS inhibitors. Assessment of the structure-activity relationship revealed a unique pharmacophore in this series. The lipophilic ortho-substituent of aromatic ring A and the appropriate directionality of aromatic ring B were key for potency. Optimization of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, toxicity (ADMETox) profile resulted in the discovery of T-036, a potent GCS inhibitor in vivo. Pharmacophore-based scaffold hopping was performed to mitigate safety concerns associated with T-036. The ring opening of T-036 resulted in another potent GCS inhibitor with a lower toxicological risk, T-690, which reduced glucosylceramide in a dose-dependent manner in the plasma and cortex of mice. Finally, we discuss the structural aspects of the compounds that impart a unique inhibition mode and lower the cardiovascular risk.

Discovery of Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazin-4-ones as Potent and Brain Penetrant GluN2A-Selective Positive Allosteric Modulators Reducing AMPA Receptor Binding Activity.

N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are members of the ionotropic glutamate receptor family and play a crucial role in learning and memory by regulating synaptic plasticity. Activation of NMDARs containing GluN2A, one of the NMDAR subunits, has recently attracted attention as a promising therapeutic approach for neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy. In the present study, we developed potent and brain-penetrable GluN2A-selective positive allosteric modulators. Lead compound 2b was generated by scaffold hopping of hit compound 1, identified from the internal alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-focused compound library through a high-throughput screening campaign. Subsequent optimization of the lead compound, including a structure-based drug design approach, resulted in the identification of a potent GluN2A PAM (R)-9, which possessed high selectivity against both subtypes of AMPAR and NMDAR. Furthermore, (R)-9 significantly enhanced long-term potentiation in the rat hippocampus 24 h after oral administration, indicating that this molecule is a potentially useful in vivo pharmacological tool for treating psychiatric diseases.

Discovery of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles as novel class of corticotropin releasing factor 1 receptor antagonists.

A new class of corticotropin releasing factor 1 (CRF1) receptor antagonists characterized by a tricyclic core ring was designed and synthesized. Novel tricyclic derivatives 2a-e were designed as CRF1 receptor antagonists based on conformation analysis of our original 2-anilinobenzimidazole CRF1 receptor antagonist. The synthesized tricyclic derivatives 2a-e showed CRF1 receptor binding activity with IC50 values of less than 400 nM, and the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimido-[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivative 2e was selected as a lead compound with potent in vitro CRF1 receptor binding activity (IC50 = 7.1 nM). To optimize the pharmacokinetic profiles of lead compound 2e, we explored suitable substituents on the 1-position and 6-position, leading to the identification of compound 42c-R, which exhibited potent CRF1 receptor binding activity (IC50 = 58 nM) with good oral bioavailability (F = 68% in rats). Compound 42c-R exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of [125I]-CRF binding in the frontal cortex (5 and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) as well as suppression of locomotor activation induced by intracerebroventricular administration of CRF in rats (10 mg/kg, p.o.). These results suggest that compound 42c-R successfully binds CRF1 receptors in the brain and exhibits the potential to be further examined for clinical studies.

Structure-Based Design and Synthesis of 3-Amino-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolopyridin-4-one Derivatives as Tyrosine Kinase 2 Inhibitors.

We report herein the discovery and optimization of 3-amino-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolopyridin-4-one TYK2 inhibitors. High-throughput screening against TYK2 and JAK1-3 provided aminoindazole derivative 1 as a hit compound. Scaffold hopping of the aminoindazole core led to the discovery of 3-amino-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolopyridin-4-one derivative 3 as a novel chemotype of TYK2 inhibitors. Interestingly, initial SAR study suggested that this scaffold could have a vertically flipped binding mode, which prompted us to introduce a substituent at the 7-position as a moiety directed toward the solvent-exposed region. Introduction of a 1-methyl-3-pyrazolyl moiety at the 7-position resulted in a dramatic increase in TYK2 inhibitory activity, and further optimization led to the discovery of 20. Compound 20 inhibited IL-23-induced IL-22 production in a rat PD assay, as well as inhibited IL-23 signaling in human PBMC. Furthermore, 20 showed selectivity for IL-23 signaling inhibition against GM-CSF, demonstrating the unique cytokine selectivity of the novel TYK2 inhibitor.

Formal total syntheses of classic natural product target molecules via palladium-catalyzed enantioselective alkylation.

Pd-catalyzed enantioselective alkylation in conjunction with further synthetic elaboration enables the formal total syntheses of a number of "classic" natural product target molecules. This publication highlights recent methods for setting quaternary and tetrasubstituted tertiary carbon stereocenters to address the synthetic hurdles encountered over many decades across multiple compound classes spanning carbohydrate derivatives, terpenes, and alkaloids. These enantioselective methods will impact both academic and industrial settings, where the synthesis of stereogenic quaternary carbons is a continuing challenge.

Design and synthesis of novel pyrimido[4,5-b]azepine derivatives as HER2/EGFR dual inhibitors.

A novel 7,6 fused bicyclic scaffold, pyrimido[4,5-b]azepine was designed to fit into the ATP binding site of the HER2/EGFR proteins. The synthesis of this scaffold was accomplished by an intramolecular Claisen-type condensation. As the results of optimization lead us to 4-anilino and 6-functional groups, we discovered 6-substituted amide derivative 19b, which has a 1-benzothiophen-4-yloxy group attached to the 4-anilino group. An X-ray co-crystal structure of 19b with EGFR demonstrated that the N-1 and N-3 nitrogens of the pyrimido[4,5-b]azepine scaffold make hydrogen-bonding interactions with the main chain NH of Met793 and the side chain of Thr854 via a water-mediated hydrogen bond network, respectively. In addition, the NH proton at the 9-position makes an additional hydrogen bond with the carbonyl group of Met793, as we expected. Compound 19b revealed potent HER2/EGFR kinase (IC50: 24/36 nM) and BT474 cell growth (GI50: 18 nM) inhibitory activities based on its pseudo-irreversible (PI) profile.

Design and synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine HER2/EGFR dual inhibitors: improvement of the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles for potent in vivo anti-tumor efficacy.

During the course of our studies on a novel HER2/EGFR dual inhibitor (TAK-285), we found an alternative potent pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine compound (1a). To enhance the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of this compound, we conducted chemical modifications into its N-5 side chain and conversion of the chemically modified compounds into their salts. Among them, 2cb, the tosylate salt of compound 2c, showed potent HER2/EGFR kinase inhibitory activity (IC(50): 11/11 nM) and cellular growth inhibitory activity (BT-474 cell GI(50): 56 nM) with a good drug metabolism and PK (DMPK) profile. Furthermore, 2cb exhibited significant in vivo antitumor efficacy in both mouse and rat xenograft models with transplanted 4-1ST gastric cancer cell lines (mouse, T/C=0%, 2cb po bid at 100 mg/kg; rat, T/C: -1%, 2cb po bid at 25 mg/kg).

Enantioselective decarboxylative alkylation reactions: catalyst development, substrate scope, and mechanistic studies.

α-Quaternary ketones are accessed through novel enantioselective alkylations of allyl and propargyl electrophiles by unstabilized prochiral enolate nucleophiles in the presence of palladium complexes with various phosphinooxazoline (PHOX) ligands. Excellent yields and high enantiomeric excesses are obtained from three classes of enolate precursor: enol carbonates, enol silanes, and racemic ß-ketoesters. Each of these substrate classes functions with nearly identical efficiency in terms of yield and enantioselectivity. Catalyst discovery and development, the optimization of reaction conditions, the exploration of reaction scope, and applications in target-directed synthesis are reported. Experimental observations suggest that these alkylation reactions occur through an unusual inner-sphere mechanism involving binding of the prochiral enolate nucleophile directly to the palladium center.

Design and synthesis of novel human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) dual inhibitors bearing a pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine scaffold.

Dual inhibitors of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been investigated for breast, lung, gastric, prostate, and other cancers; one, lapatinib, is currently approved for breast cancer. To develop novel HER2/EGFR dual kinase inhibitors, we designed and synthesized pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives capable of fitting into the receptors' ATP binding site. Among the prepared compounds, 34e showed potent HER2 and EGFR (HER1) inhibitory activities as well as tumor growth inhibitory activity. The X-ray cocrystal structures of 34e with both HER2 and EGFR demonstrated that 34e interacts with the expected residues in their respective ATP pockets. Furthermore, reflecting its good oral bioavailability, 34e exhibited potent in vivo efficacy in HER2-overexpressing tumor xenograft models. On the basis of these findings, we report 34e (TAK-285) as a promising candidate for clinical development as a novel HER2/EGFR dual kinase inhibitor.

Highly potent and orally active CCR5 antagonists as anti-HIV-1 agents: synthesis and biological activities of 1-benzazocine derivatives containing a sulfoxide moiety.

Chemical modification has been performed on an orally bioavailable and potent CCR5 antagonist, sulfoxide compound 4, mainly focusing on replacement of the [6,7]-fused 1-benzazepine nucleus. We designed, synthesized, and evaluated the biological activities of ring-expanded [6,8]-, [6,9]-, and [6,10]-fused compounds containing S-sulfoxide moieties, which led to the discovery of 1-benzazocine and 1-benzazonine compounds that exhibited potent inhibitory activities (equivalent to compound 4) in a binding assay. In addition, 1-benzazocine compounds possessing the S-sulfoxide moiety ((S)-(-)-5a,b,d,e) showed greater potency than compound 4 in a fusion assay. From further investigation in a multi-round infection assay, it was found that 1-isobutyl-1-benzazocine compound (S)-(-)-5b, containing the S-{[(1-propyl-1H-imidazol)-5-yl]methyl}sulfinyl group, showed the most potent anti-HIV-1 activity (IC90=0.81 nM, in MOLT4/CCR5 cells). Compound (S)-(-)-5b (TAK-652) also inhibited the replication of six macrophage-tropic (CCR5-using or R5) HIV-1 clinical isolates in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (mean IC90=0.25 nM). It was also absorbed after oral administration in rats, dogs, and monkeys and was thus selected as a clinical candidate. The synthesis and biological activity of the 1-benzazocine compound (S)-(-)-5b and its related derivatives are described.

Orally active CCR5 antagonists as anti-HIV-1 agents. Part 3: Synthesis and biological activities of 1-benzazepine derivatives containing a sulfoxide moiety.

In order to develop orally active CCR5 antagonists, 1-propyl- or 1-isobutyl-1-benzazepine derivatives containing a sulfoxide moiety have been designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their biological activities. Sulfoxide compounds containing a 2-pyridyl group were first investigated, which led to discovering that the presence of a methylene group between the sulfoxide moiety and 2-pyridyl group was necessary for increased inhibitory activity in a binding assay. After further chemical modification, it was found that replacement of the pyridyl group with an imidazolyl or 1,2,4-triazolyl group enhanced activity in the binding assay and that S-sulfoxide compounds were more active than R-isomers. Particularly, compounds (S)-4r, (S)-4s, and (S)-4w exhibited highly potent CCR5 antagonistic activities (IC50=1.9, 1.7, 1.6 nM, respectively) and inhibitory effects (IC50=1.0, 2.8, 7.7 nM, respectively) in the HIV-1 envelope mediated membrane fusion assay, together with good pharmacokinetic properties in rats. In addition, we established the synthesis of (S)-4r and (S)-4w by asymmetric oxidation with titanium-(S)-(-)-1,1'-bi-2-naphthol complex.

Orally active CCR5 antagonists as anti-HIV-1 agents 2: synthesis and biological activities of anilide derivatives containing a pyridine N-oxide moiety.

In order to develop orally active CCR5 antagonists, we investigated 1-benzoxepine derivatives containing new polar substituents, such as phosphonate, phosphine oxide or pyridine N-oxide moieties, as replacements for the previously reported quaternary ammonium moiety. Among these compounds, the 2-(alpha-hydroxybenzyl)pyridine N-oxide 5e exhibited moderate CCR5 antagonistic activity and had an acceptable pharmacokinetic profile in rats. Subsequent chemical modification was performed and compound (S)-5f possessing the (S)-configuration hydroxy group was found to be more active than the (R)-isomer. Replacement of the 1-benzoxepine ring with a 4-methylphenyl group by a 1-benzazepine ring with a 4-[2-(butoxy)ethoxy]phenyl group enhanced the activity in the binding assay. In addition, introduction of a 3-trifluoromethyl group on the phenyl group of the anilide moiety led to greatly increased activity in the HIV-1 envelope-mediated membrane fusion assay. In particular, compound (S)-5s showed the most potent CCR5 antagonistic activity (IC(50)=7.2 nM) and inhibitory effect (IC(50)=5.4 nM) in the fusion assay, together with good pharmacokinetic properties in rats.

Orally active CCR5 antagonists as anti-HIV-1 agents: synthesis and biological activity of 1-benzothiepine 1,1-dioxide and 1-benzazepine derivatives containing a tertiary amine moiety.

The search for orally active CCR5 antagonists was performed by chemical modification of the 1-benzothiepine 1,1-dioxide 3 and 1-benzazepine 4 lead compounds containing a tertiary amine moiety. Replacement of methyl group with a 2-(C(2-4) alkoxy)ethoxy group at the 4-position on the 7-phenyl group of the 1-benzothiepine ring resulted in both enhanced activity and significant improvement in the pharmacokinetic properties upon oral administration in rats. Introduction of C(2-4) alkyl, phenyl or (hetero)arylmethyl groups as the 1-substituent on the 1-benzazepine ring together with the 2-(butoxy)ethoxy group led to further increase of activity. Among the 1-benzazepine derivatives, the isobutyl (6i), benzyl (6o) or 1-methylpyrazol-4-ylmethyl (6s) compounds were found to exhibit highly potent inhibitory effects, equivalent to the injectable CCR5 antagonist 1, in the HIV-1 envelope-mediated membrane fusion assay. In particular, compound 6s showed the most potent CCR5 antagonistic activity (IC(50)=2.7 nM) and inhibitory effect (IC(50)=1.2 nM) on membrane fusion, together with good pharmacokinetic properties in rats. The synthesis of 1-benzothiepine 1,1-dioxide and 1-benzazepine derivatives and their biological activity are described.

Synthesis of 1-benzothiepine and 1-benzazepine derivatives as orally active CCR5 antagonists.

Quaternary ammonium benzocycloheptene compound 1 has previously been reported as a clinical candidate for an injectable CCR5 antagonist. In order to develop an orally active CCR5 antagonist, derivatives of tertiary amine benzocycloheptene 2, the chemical precursor to 1, were investigated. The benzocycloheptene ring was converted to benzothiepine and benzazepine rings and it was found that these changes could enhance the potency of tertiary amine derivatives. In particular, the 1-benzothiepine-1,1-dioxide 11b and the N-methyl-1-benzazepine 18 showed increased activity and good preliminary pharmacokinetic properties. The synthesis of 1-benzothiepine and 1-benzazepine derivatives and their activity are described.