Aryl derivatives of 3H-1,2-benzoxathiepine 2,2-dioxide as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

A new series of homosulfocoumarins (3H-1,2-benzoxathiepine 2,2-dioxides) possessing various substitution patterns and moieties in the 7, 8 or 9 position of the heterocylic ring were prepared by original procedures and investigated for the inhibition of four physiologically relevant carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms, the human (h) hCA I, II, IX and XII. The 8-substituted homosulfocoumarins were the most effective hCA IX/XII inhibitors followed by the 7-substituted derivatives, whereas the substitution pattern in position 9 led to less effective binders for the transmembrane, tumour-associated isoforms IX/XII. The cytosolic isoforms hCA I and II were not inhibited by these compounds, similar to the sulfocoumarins/coumarins investigated earlier. As hCA IX and XII are validated anti-tumour targets, with one sulphonamide (SLC-0111) in Phase Ib/II clinical trials, finding derivatives with better selectivity for inhibiting the tumour-associated isoforms over the cytosolic ones, as the homosulfocoumarins reported here, is of crucial importance.

Synthesis of benzopentathiepin analogs and their evaluation as inhibitors of the phosphatase STEP.

Striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) is a brain specific protein tyrosine phosphatase that has been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. We recently reported the benzopentathiepin TC-2153 as a potent inhibitor of STEP in vitro, cells and animals. Herein, we report the synthesis and evaluation of TC-2153 analogs in order to define what structural features are important for inhibition and to identify positions tolerant of substitution for further study. The trifluoromethyl substitution is beneficial for inhibitor potency, and the amine is tolerant of acylation, and thus provides a convenient handle for introducing additional functionality such as reporter groups.

Discovery of Lu AA33810: a highly selective and potent NPY5 antagonist with in vivo efficacy in a model of mood disorder.

The structure-activity relationship of a series of tricyclic-sulfonamide compounds 11-32 culminating in the discovery of N-[trans-4-(4,5-dihydro-3,6-dithia-1-aza-benzo[e]azulen-2-ylamino)-cyclohexylmethyl]-methanesulfonamide (15, Lu AA33810) is reported. Compound 15 was identified as a selective and high affinity NPY5 antagonist with good oral bioavailability in mice (42%) and rats (92%). Dose dependent inhibition of feeding was observed after i.c.v. injection of the selective NPY5 agonist ([cPP(1-7),NPY(19-23),Ala(31),Aib(32),Gln(34)]-hPP). In addition, ip administration of Lu AA33810 (10 mg/kg) produced antidepressant-like effects in a rat model of chronic mild stress.

Na+ currents in cardioprotection: better to be late.

We report the discovery of a selective, potent inhibitor of the late current mediated by the cardiac isoform of the sodium channel (Na(V)1.5). The compound, 3,4-dihydro-N-[(2S)-3-[(2-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)thio]-2-methylpropyl]-2H-(3R)-1,5-benzoxathiepin-3-amine (2d) (F 15741), blocks the late component of the Na(+) currents and greatly reduces veratridine- or ischemia-induced contracture in isolated tissue and whole heart. The cardioprotective action of 2d was further established in a model of myocardial infarction in the pig in which 2d prevents ischemia-reperfusion damage after 60 min of coronary occlusion and 48 h reperfusion. Under these experimental conditions, only 2d and cariporide reduce infarct size. Remarkably, myocardial protection afforded by 2d occurs in the absence of hemodynamic effects. These data expand the therapeutic potential of late I(Na) blockers and suggest that 2d could be useful in pathologies for which pharmacological treatments are not yet available.

Benzothiepin-derived molecular scaffolds for estrogen receptor modulators: synthesis and antagonistic effects in breast cancer cells.

A series of novel benzothiepin-derived compounds are described as potent selective modulators of the human estrogen receptor (SERMs). The objective of the study is to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of the compounds on human MCF-7 breast tumor cells. These heterocyclic compounds contain the traditional triarylethylene arrangement exemplified by tamoxifen, conformationally restrained through the incorporation of the benzothiepin ring system. The compounds demonstrated potency at nanomolar concentrations in antiproliferative assays against an MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line with low cytotoxicity. The compounds exhibited low nanomolar binding affinity for the estrogen receptor (ER) with some specificity for ERbeta, and also demonstrate potent antiestrogenic properties in the human uterine Ishikawa cell line. The effect of a number of functional group substitutions on the ER binding properties of the benzothiepin molecular scaffold is explored through a brief computational structure-activity relationship investigation with molecular simulation.

Discovery of potent, nonsystemic apical sodium-codependent bile acid transporter inhibitors (Part 1).

Elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are a major risk factor for atherosclerosis leading to coronary artery disease (CAD), which remains the main cause of mortality in Western society. We believe that by preventing the reabsorption of bile acids, a minimally absorbed apical sodium-codependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibitor would lower the serum cholesterol without the potential systemic side effects of an absorbed drug. A series of novel benzothiepines (3R,3R'-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-5-aryl-1-benzothiepin-4-ol 1,1-dioxides) were synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit the apical sodium dependent bile acid transport (ASBT)-mediated uptake of [(14)C]taurocholate (TC) in H14 cells. A 3R,4R,5R/3S,4S,5S racemate was found to have greater potency than the other three possible racemates. Addition of electron-donating groups such as a dimethylamino substituent at the 7 position greatly enhanced potency, and incorporation of a long-chain quaternary ammonium substituent on the 5-phenyl ring was useful in minimizing systemic exposure of this locally active ASBT inhibitor while also increasing water solubility and maintaining potency. The reported results describe the synthesis and SAR development of this benzothiepine class of ASBT inhibitors resulting in an 6000-fold improvement in ASBT inhibition with desired minimal systemic exposure of this locally acting drug candidate.

Discovery of potent, nonsystemic apical sodium-codependent bile acid transporter inhibitors (Part 2).

In the preceding paper several compounds were reported as potent apical sodium-codependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibitors. Since the primary site for active bile acid reabsorption is via ASBT, which is localized on the luminal surface of the distal ileum, we reasoned that a nonsystemic inhibitor would be desirable to minimize or eliminate potential systemic side effects of an absorbed drug. To ensure bioequivalency and product stability, it was also essential that we identify a nonhygroscopic inhibitor in its most stable crystalline form. A series of benzothiepines were prepared to refine the structure-activity relationship of the substituted phenyl ring at the 5-position of benzothiepine ring and to identify potent, crystalline, nonhygroscopic, and efficacious ASBT inhibitors with low systemic exposure.

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.

Pyrrolo[1,3]benzothiazepine-based serotonin and dopamine receptor antagonists. Molecular modeling, further structure-activity relationship studies, and identification of novel atypical antipsychotic agents.

Recently we reported the pharmacological characterization of the 9,10-dihydropyrrolo[1,3]benzothiazepine derivative (S)-(+)-8 as a novel atypical antipsychotic agent. This compound had an optimum pK(i) 5-HT(2A)/D(2) ratio of 1.21 (pK(i) 5-HT(2A) = 8.83; pK(i) D(2) = 7.79). The lower D(2) receptor affinity of (S)-(+)-8 compared to its enantiomer was explained by the difficulty in reaching the conformation required to optimally fulfill the D(2) pharmacophore. With the aim of finding novel atypical antipsychotics we further investigated the core structure of (S)-(+)-8, synthesizing analogues with specific substituents; the structure-activity relationship (SAR) study was also expanded with the design and synthesis of other analogues characterized by a pyrrolo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazepine skeleton, substituted on the benzo-fused ring or on the pyrrole system. On the 9,10-dihydro analogues the substituents introduced on the pyrrole ring were detrimental to affinity for dopamine and for 5-HT(2A) receptors, but the introduction of a double bond at C-9/10 on the structure of (S)-(+)-8 led to a potent D(2)/5-HT(2A) receptor ligand with a typical binding profile (9f, pK(i) 5-HT(2A)/D(2) ratio of 1.01, log Y = 8.43). Then, to reduce D(2) receptor affinity and restore atypicality on unsaturated analogues, we exploited the effect of specific substitutions on the tricyclic system of 9f. Through a molecular modeling approach we generated a novel series of potential atypical antipsychotic agents, with optimized 5HT(2A)/D(2) receptor affinity ratios and that were easier to synthesize and purify than the reference compound (S)-(+)-8. A number of SAR trends were identified, and among the analogues synthesized and tested in binding assays, 9d and 9m were identified as the most interesting, giving atypical log Y scores respectively 4.98 and 3.18 (pK(i) 5-HT(2A)/D(2) ratios of 1.20 and 1.30, respectively). They had a multireceptor affinity profile and could be promising atypical agents. Compound 9d, whose synthesis is easier and whose binding profile is atypical (log Y score similar to that of olanzapine, 3.89), was selected for further biological investigation. Pharmacological and biochemical studies confirmed an atypical antipsychotic profile in vivo. The compound was active on conditioned avoidance response at 1.1 mg/kg, a dose 100-times lower than that required to cause catalepsy (ED(50) >90 mg/kg), it induced a negligible increase of prolactin serum levels after single and multiple doses, and antagonized the cognitive impairment induced by phencyclidine. In conclusion, the pharmacological profile of 9d proved better than clozapine and olanzapine, making this compound a potential clinical candidate.

Cytotoxic activity of benzothiepins against human oral tumor cell lines.

A total of 11 newly synthesized benzothiepins and structurally-related compounds were investigated for cytotoxic activity against both normal and tumor cells. All these compounds showed higher cytotoxic activity against three human oral tumor cell lines (HSC-2, HSC-3, HSG) than against normal human gingival fibroblast (HGF), suggesting tumor-specific cytotoxic action. In general, 3,4-dihydro-1-benzothiepin-5(2H)-ones [1-6] showed higher cytotoxic activity than 2,3-dihydro-1-benzothiepins [7-11]. Compounds 4 (4-bromo-3,4-dihydro-2-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-1-benzothiepin-5(2H)-one), 5 (4-bromo-3,4-dihydro-2-(2-oxopropyl)-1-benzothiepin-5(2H)-one) and 6 (4-bromo-3,4-dihydro-2-[1-(methoxycarbonyl)-1-methylethyl]-1-benzothiepin-5(2H)-one), showed higher cytotoxic activity than compounds 1, 2 and 3, respectively, which had Cl instead of Br at C-4 position. Agarose gel electrophoresis demonstrated that these compounds induced large DNA fragments in oral tumor cells, whereas they produced smear pattern of smaller DNA fragments in human promyelocytic leukemia cells HL-60. These data suggest the medicinal efficacy of benzothiepins.

TAK-778, a novel synthetic 3-benzothiepin derivative, promotes chondrogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

TAK-778, a novel synthetic 3-benzothiepin derivative, stimulates the formation of cartilaginous nodules in mouse chondroprogenitor-like ATDC5 cells in vitro in association with upregulation of the gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta(2), but not bone morphogenetic protein-4 and insulin-like growth factor-I. One-shot injection of the TAK-778-containing sustained-release microcapsules accelerated the repair process of the full thickness defects of articular cartilage in rabbit knees. Our in vitro and in vivo results indicate that TAK-778 may be a therapeutically useful synthetic agent for articular cartilage repair.

Synthesis of novel 2-benzothiopyran and 3-benzothiepin derivatives and their stimulatory effect on bone formation.

In a search for therapeutic agents for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone fracture, we found that 2-benzothiopyran-1-carboxamide derivatives 1, derived from ipriflavone as a lead compound, increase cellular alkaline phosphatase activity in cultures of rat bone marrow stromal cells. Further modification of 1 has led to the discovery of more potent 3-benzothiepin-2-carboxamide derivatives 2. Of these, 3-benzothiepin derivatives bearing a 4-(dialkoxyphosphorylmethyl)phenyl group on the 2-carboxamide moiety such as 2h and 2q exhibited significant improvement of activity compared to ipriflavone. Asymmetric synthesis of 2h and 2q revealed that the (-)-isomers possessed activities superior to those of the (+)-isomers. Further evaluation of these compounds using the mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 revealed that (-)-2q enhanced the effect of bone morphogenetic protein. In addition, application of a sustained-release agent containing 2q increased the area of newly formed bone in a rat skull defect model. Based on these findings, (-)-2q was selected for further investigation as a new drug stimulating bone formation. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships for this novel series of 2-benzothiopyran and 3-benzothiepin derivatives are detailed.

Synthesis and biological activities of optical isomers of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-(1)benzothiepino[5,4-c]pyridazin-3(2H)-o ne 7-oxide.

Two enantiomers of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-(1)benzothiepino[5,4- c]pyridazin-3(2H)-one 7-oxide ((+/-)-1: Y-23684) were synthesized in high yields by asymmetric oxidation of the synthetic precursor (2) using modified Sharpless reagent. Among the oxidants tested, cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) gave the highest optical and chemical yields, while tert-butyl, tert-amyl, and 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl hydroperoxides did not show such high enantio-selectivities. The absolute configuration of (+)-1 enantiomer synthesized from 2, Ti(O-iso-Pr)4, (-)-diethyl tartarate, and CHP was determined to be S by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Both enantiomers, S-(+)-1 and R-(-)-1, and (+/-)-1 had approximately equivalent in vivo activities to antibicuculline test in mice and anticonflict test in rats, although S-( + )-1 showed about three times higher affinity to benzodiazepine receptor than R-(-)-1 in [3H]diazepam binding assay.

Synthesis and biological activity of 11-[4-(cinnamyl)-1-piperazinyl]- 6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin derivatives, potential agents for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders.

A series of 11-[4-(cinnamyl)-1-piperazinyl]-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e] oxepins and related compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their protective activities against complete ischemia, normobaric hypoxia, lipidperoxidation and convulsion. Structure-activity relationship studies of this series led to the finding of (E)-1-(3-fluoro-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin-11-yl)-4-(3- phenyl-2-propenyl)piperazine dimaleate (50), AJ-3941 with the most appropriate property for combined pharmacological activities. Compound 50 also shows an inhibitory effect against cerebral edema as well when orally given to rats.

Studies on the synthesis of condensed pyridazine derivatives. IV. Synthesis and anxiolytic activity of 2-aryl-5,6-dihydro-(1)benzothiepino[5,4- c]pyridazin-3(2H)-ones and related compound.

A series of 2-aryl-5,6-dihydro-(1)benzothiepino[5,4-c]pyridazin-3(2H)- ones and related compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to displace 3H-diazepam from rat brain membranes in vitro, and to prevent bicuculline induced convulsions in mice in vivo. Compounds with a 4'-methoxyphenyl (36) or 4'-chlorophenyl group (37, 39--42) as 2-aryl substituents showed prominent activities in both the in vitro and in vivo tests. Among them, 2-(4'-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro- (37) and 2-(4'-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-10-fluoro-(1)benzothiepino[5,4-c]+ ++pyridazin- 3(2H)-one 7-oxides (41) showed activity twice as potent as diazepam in an anticonflict test (Vogel type, rats) while exhibiting less muscle relaxation (rotarod test, mice) and augmentation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-induced chloride current (Icl) in isolated frog sensory neurones than diazepam. Compound 37 (Y-23684) was selected from this series as a candidate for further development. The structure-activity relationships are discussed.

Synthesis and anti-microbial activity of benzo-condensed heterocyclic derivatives.

The synthesis of 2,4-dione derivatives of 1,5-benzodithiepine, 1,5-benzodiazepine and 1,5-benzothiazepine and the anti-microbial activity in vitro of these derivatives and of analogous of 1,5-benzodioxepine, 1,5-benzoxathiepine and 1,5-benzoxazepine, previously prepared, are reported. Some of these compounds showed a good activity against some Gram positive microorganisms and blastomycetes.

2H-[1]benzothiepino [5,4-b]pyran derivatives with local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic activities.

The synthesis of some N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-5,6-dihydro-3-phenyl-2H-[1]benzothiepino [5,4-b]pyran-2-ones by reaction of phenylchloroketene with a series of N,N-disubstituted (E)-4-aminomethylene-3,4-dihydro-1-benzothiepin-5(2H)-ones, followed by dehydrochlorination of the primary adducts with DBN, is described. The 4-methylphenylamino derivative showed a local anesthetic activity in mice superior to that of lidocaine and the 4-morpholino derivative showed an antiarrhythmic activity in rats comparable to that of quinidine.

2H,5H-[1]benzothiopyrano [4,3-b]pyran derivatives with platelet antiaggregating activity.

The synthesis of some N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-3-phenyl-2H,5H-[1]benzothiopyrano [4,3-b]pyran-2-ones by reaction of phenylchloroketene with a series of N,N-disubstituted 3-aminomethylene-2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzothiopyran-4-ones, followed by dehydrochlorination of the primary adducts with DBN, is described. Some of these compounds showed a strong platelet antiaggregating activity in vitro, superior to that of acetylsalicylic acid.