Quinagolide Treatment Reduces Invasive and Angiogenic Properties of Endometrial Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Endometrial mesenchymal stromal cells (E-MSCs) extensively contribute to the establishment and progression of endometrial ectopic lesions through formation of the stromal vascular tissue, and support to its growth and vascularization. As E-MSCs lack oestrogen receptors, endometriosis eradication cannot be achieved by hormone-based pharmacological approaches. Quinagolide is a non-ergot-derived dopamine receptor 2 agonist reported to display therapeutic effects in in vivo models of endometriosis. In the present study, we isolated E-MSCs from eutopic endometrial tissue and from ovarian and peritoneal endometriotic lesions, and we tested the effect of quinagolide on their proliferation and matrix invasion ability. Moreover, the effect of quinagolide on E-MSC endothelial differentiation was assessed in an endothelial co-culture model of angiogenesis. E-MSC lines expressed dopamine receptor 2, with higher expression in ectopic than eutopic ones. Quinagolide inhibited the invasive properties of E-MSCs, but not their proliferation, and limited their endothelial differentiation. The abrogation of the observed effects by spiperone, a dopamine receptor antagonist, confirmed specific dopamine receptor activation. At variance, no involvement of VEGFR2 inhibition was observed. Moreover, dopamine receptor 2 activation led to downregulation of AKT and its phosphorylation. Of interest, several effects were more prominent on ectopic E-MSCs with respect to eutopic lines. Together with the reported effects on endometrial and endothelial cells, the observed inhibition of E-MSCs may increase the rationale for quinagolide in endometriosis treatment.

Movement to the Clinic of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor EC5026 as an Analgesic for Neuropathic Pain and for Use as a Nonaddictive Opioid Alternative.

This report describes the development of an orally active analgesic that resolves inflammation and neuropathic pain without the addictive potential of opioids. EC5026 acts on the cytochrome P450 branch of the arachidonate cascade to stabilize epoxides of polyunsaturated fatty acids (EpFA), which are natural mediators that reduce pain, resolve inflammation, and maintain normal blood pressure. EC5026 is a slow-tight binding transition-state mimic that inhibits the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) at picomolar concentrations. The sEH rapidly degrades EpFA; thus, inhibiting sEH increases EpFA in vivo and confers beneficial effects. This mechanism addresses disease states by shifting endoplasmic reticulum stress from promoting cellular senescence and inflammation toward cell survival and homeostasis. We describe the synthesis and optimization of EC5026 and its development through human Phase 1a trials with no drug-related adverse events. Additionally, we outline fundamental work leading to discovery of the analgesic and inflammation-resolving CYP450 branch of the arachidonate cascade.

Protective Mechanism of the Selective Vasopressin V1A Receptor Agonist Selepressin against Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction.

Sepsis and septic shock are among the most common causes of death in the intensive care unit; advanced therapeutic approaches are thus urgently needed. Vascular hyperpermeability represents a major manifestation of severe sepsis and is responsible for the ensuing organ dysfunction and failure. Vasopressin V1A receptor (V1AR) agonists have shown promise in the treatment of sepsis, increasing blood pressure, and reducing vascular hyperpermeability. The effects of the selective V1AR-selective agonist selepressin have been investigated in an in vitro model of thrombin-, vascular endothelial growth factor-, angiopoietin 2-, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary microvascular endothelial hyperpermeability. Results suggest that selepressin counteracts the effects of all four endothelial barrier disruptors in a concentration-dependent manner, as reflected in real-time measurements of vascular permeability by means of transendothelial electrical resistance. Further, selepressin protected the barrier integrity against the LPS-mediated corruption of the endothelial monolayer integrity, as captured by VE-cadherin and actin staining. The protective effects of selepressin were abolished by silencing of the vasopressin V1AR, as well as by atosiban, an antagonist of the human V1AR. p53 appears to be involved in mediating these palliative effects, since selepressin strongly induced its expression levels, suppressed the inflammatory RhoA/myosin light chain2 pathway, and triggered the barrier-protective effects of the GTPase Rac1. We conclude that V1AR-selective agonists, such as selepressin, may prove useful in the improvement of endothelial barrier function in the management of severe sepsis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A cardinal sign of sepsis, a serious disease with significant mortality and no specific treatment, is pulmonary endothelial barrier dysfunction that leads to pulmonary edema. Here, we present evidence that in cultured human lung microvascular endothelial cells, the synthetic, selective vasopressin V1A receptor agonist selepressin protects against endothelial barrier dysfunction caused by four different edemogenic agents, suggesting a potential role of selepressin in the clinical management of sepsis.

Pharmacological Characterization of Apraglutide, a Novel Long-Acting Peptidic Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Agonist, for the Treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) agonists have therapeutic potential in clinical indications in which the integrity or absorptive function of the intestinal mucosa is compromised, such as in short bowel syndrome (SBS). Native hGLP-2, a 33-amino acid peptide secreted from the small intestine, contributes to nutritional absorption but has a very short half-life because of enzymatic cleavage and renal clearance and thus is of limited therapeutic value. The GLP-2 analog teduglutide (Revestive/Gattex; Shire Inc.) has been approved for use in SBS since 2012 but has a once-daily injection regimen. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic studies confirm that apraglutide, a novel GLP-2 analog, has very low clearance, long elimination half-life, and high plasma protein binding compared with GLP-2 analogs teduglutide and glepaglutide. Apraglutide and teduglutide retain potency and selectivity at the GLP-2 receptor comparable to native hGLP-2, whereas glepaglutide was less potent and less selective. In rat intravenous PK studies, hGLP-2, teduglutide, glepaglutide, and apraglutide had clearances of 25, 9.9, 2.8, and 0.27 ml/kg per minute, respectively, and elimination half-lives of 6.4, 19, 16, and 159 minutes, respectively. The unique PK profile of apraglutide administered via intravenous and subcutaneous routes was confirmed in monkey and minipig and translated into significantly greater in vivo pharmacodynamic activity, measured as small intestinal growth in rats. Apraglutide showed greater intestinotrophic activity than the other peptides when administered at less-frequent dosing intervals because of its prolonged half-life. We postulate that apraglutide offers several advantages over existing GLP-2 analogs and is an excellent candidate for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, such as SBS. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Apraglutide is a potent and selective GLP-2 agonist with an extremely low clearance and prolonged elimination half-life, which differentiates it from teduglutide (the only approved GLP-2 agonist). The enhanced pharmacokinetics of apraglutide will benefit patients by enabling a reduced dosing frequency and removing the need for daily injections.

Modulating the Barrier Function of Human Alveolar Epithelial (hAELVi) Cell Monolayers as a Model of Inflammation.

The incidence of inflammatory lung diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains an important problem, particularly in the present time with the Covid-19 pandemic. However, an adequate in vitro test system to monitor the barrier function of the alveolar epithelium during inflammation and for assessing anti-inflammatory drugs is urgently needed. Therefore, we treated human Alveolar Epithelial Lentivirus-immortalised cells (hAELVi cells) with the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (25 ng/ml) and IFN-γ (30 ng/ml), in the presence or absence of hydrocortisone (HC). While TNF-α and IFN-γ are known to reduce epithelial barrier properties, HC could be expected to protect the barrier function and result in an anti-inflammatory effect. We investigated the impact of anti-inflammatory/inflammatory treatment on transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of the low permeability marker sodium fluorescein (NaFlu). After incubating hAELVi cells for 48 hours with a combination of TNF-α and IFN-γ, there was a significant decrease in TEER and a significant increase in the Papp. The presence of HC maintained the TEER values and barrier properties, so that no significant Papp change was observed. By using hAELVi cells to study anti-inflammatory drugs in vitro, the need for animal experiments could be reduced and pulmonary drug development accelerated.

Discovery of Potent, Selective, and Short-Acting Peptidic V2 Receptor Agonists.

The vasopressin analogue desmopressin (desamino-d-arginine8 vasopressin, dDAVP, 1) is a potent vasopressin 2 (V2) receptor (V2R) agonist approved in many countries for the treatment of diabetes insipidus, primary nocturnal enuresis, nocturia, and coagulation disorders. Since 1 is primarily excreted via the kidneys, an age-related decline in kidney function leads to slower elimination, prolonged antidiuresis, and hyponatremia. In search of novel, potent, selective, and short-acting peptidic V2R agonists, we synthesized a series of C-terminally truncated analogues of [Val4]dDAVP, 2, modified in positions 2, 3, and 7 and/or at the disulfide bridge. The peptides were evaluated for in vitro potency at the human V2 receptor, selectivity versus the related receptors (human vasopressin 1a receptor, human vasopressin 1b receptor, and human oxytocin receptor), and pharmacokinetic profiles in rodents and other higher species. The truncated analogues show excellent potency at the V2R, increased systemic clearance, and shorter half-life in rats. Two compounds 19 (c(Bua-Cpa-Thi-Val-Asn-Cys)-Pro-Agm) and 38 (c(Bua-Cpa-Thi-Val-Asn-Cys)-Pro-d-Arg-NEt2) have been selected for clinical development for nocturia.

Comparative pharmacology of a new recombinant FSH expressed by a human cell line.

Recombinant FSH proteins are important therapeutic agents for the treatment of infertility, including follitropin alfa expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and, more recently, follitropin delta expressed in the human cell line PER.C6. These recombinant FSH proteins have distinct glycosylation, and have distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles in women. Comparative experiments demonstrated that follitropin delta and follitropin alfa displayed the same in vitro potency at the human FSH receptor, but varied in their pharmacokinetics in mouse and rat. While follitropin delta clearance from serum depended in part on the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), follitropin alfa clearance was unaffected by ASGPR inhibition in rat or genetic ablation in mice. The distinct properties of follitropin delta and follitropin alfa are likely to contribute to the differing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles observed in women and to influence their efficacy in therapeutic protocols for the treatment of infertility.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Characterization of Novel Glucagon-like Peptide-2 (GLP-2) Analogues with Low Systemic Clearance.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 receptor agonists have therapeutic potential for the treatment of intestinal diseases. The native hGLP-2, a 33 amino acid gastrointestinal peptide, is not a suitable clinical candidate, due to its very short half-life in humans. In search of GLP-2 receptor agonists with better pharmacokinetic characteristics, a series of GLP-2 analogues containing Gly substitution at position 2, norleucine in position 10, and hydrophobic substitutions in positions 11 and/or 16 was designed and synthesized. In vitro receptor potency at the human GLP-2, selectivity vs the human GLP-1 and GCG receptors, and PK profile in rats were determined for the new analogues. A number of compounds more potent at the hGLP-2R than the native hormone, showing excellent receptor selectivity and very low systemic clearance (CL) were discovered. Analogues 69 ([Gly(2),Nle(10),D-Thi(11),Phe(16)]hGLP-2-(1-30)-NH2), 72 ([Gly(2),Nle(10),D-Phe(11),Leu(16)]hGLP-2-(1-33)-OH), 73 ([Gly(2),Nle(10),D-Phe(11),Leu(16)]hGLP-2-(1-33)-NH2), 81 ([Gly(2),Nle(10),D-Phe(11),Leu(16)]hGLP-2-(1-33)-NHEt), and 85 ([Gly(2),Nle(10),D-Phe(11),Leu(16)]hGLP-2-(1-33)-NH-((CH2)2O)4-(CH2)2-CONH2) displayed the desired profiles (EC50 (hGLP-2R) < 100 pM, CL in rat <0.3 mL/min/kg, selective vs hGLP-1R and hGCGR). Compound 73 (FE 203799) was selected as a candidate for clinical development.

New, potent, and selective peptidic oxytocin receptor agonists.

Mothers of preterm babies frequently have difficulty establishing or maintaining lactation, thought to be due to interference with the milk ejection reflex. Administration of exogenous oxytocin can produce alveolar contraction and adequate breast emptying resulting in establishment of successful lactation. The natural hormone oxytocin is not receptor-selective and may cause hyponatremia via V2 receptor mediated antidiuresis. We have designed a series of potent oxytocin analogues containing N-alkylglycines in position 7 with excellent selectivity versus the related V1a, V1b, and V2 vasopressin receptors and short half-life: agonists 31 ([2-ThiMeGly(7)]dOT), 47 (carba-6-[Phe(2),BuGly(7)]dOT), 55 (carba-6-[3-MeBzlGly(7)]dOT), and 57 (carba-1-[4-FBzlGly(7)]dOT) have EC50 values at hOTR < 0.1 nM, selectivity ratios versus related human vasopressin receptors of >2000, IC50 at hV1aR > 500 nM, and total clearance in rats in the range of 60-80 mL min(-1) kg(-1). Compound 57 (FE 202767) is currently in clinical development for the treatment of preterm mothers requiring lactation support.

New, potent, selective, and short-acting peptidic V1a receptor agonists.

[Arg(8)]vasopressin (AVP) produces vasoconstriction via V(1a) receptor (V(1a)R)-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell contraction and is being used to increase blood pressure in septic shock, a form of vasodilatory hypotension. However, AVP also induces V(2) receptor (V(2)R)-mediated antidiuresis, vasodilation, and coagulation factor release, all deleterious in septic shock. The V(1a)R agonist terlipressin (H-Gly(3)[Lys(8)]VP) also lacks selectivity vs the V(2)R and has sizably longer duration of action than AVP, preventing rapid titration of its vasopressor effect in the clinic. We designed and synthesized new short acting V(1a)R selective analogues of general structure [Xaa(2),Ile(3),Yaa(4),Zaa(8)]VP. The most potent and selective compounds in in vitro functional assays (e.g., [Phe(2),Ile(3),Asn(Me(2))(4),Orn(8)]VP (31), [Phe(2),Ile(3),Asn((CH(2))(3)OH)(4),Orn(8)]VP (34), [Phe(2),Ile(3),Hgn(4),Orn(iPr)(8)]VP (45), [Phe(2),Ile(3),Asn(Et)(4),Dab(8)]VP (49), [Thi(2),Ile(3),Orn(iPr)(8)]VP (59), [Cha(2),Ile(3),Asn(4),Orn(iPr)(8)]VP (68)) were tested by intravenous bolus in rats for duration of vasopressive action. Analogues 31, 34, 45, and 49 were as short-acting as AVP. Compound 45, FE 202158, is currently undergoing clinical trials in septic shock.

Pharmacological characterization of FE 202158, a novel, potent, selective, and short-acting peptidic vasopressin V1a receptor full agonist for the treatment of vasodilatory hypotension.

FE 202158, ([Phe(2),Ile(3),Hgn(4),Orn(iPr)(8)]vasopressin, where Hgn is homoglutamine and iPr is isopropyl), a peptidic analog of the vasoconstrictor hormone [Arg(8)]vasopressin (AVP), was designed to be a potent, selective, and short-acting vasopressin type 1a receptor (V(1a)R) agonist. In functional reporter gene assays, FE 202158 was a potent and selective human V(1a)R agonist [EC(50) = 2.4 nM; selectivity ratio of 1:142:1107:440 versus human vasopressin type 1b receptor, vasopressin type 2 receptor (V(2)R), and oxytocin receptor, respectively] contrasting with AVP's lack of selectivity, especially versus the V(2)R (selectivity ratio of 1:18:0.2:92; human V(1a)R EC(50) = 0.24 nM). This activity and selectivity profile was confirmed in radioligand binding assays. FE 202158 was a potent vasoconstrictor in the isolated rat common iliac artery ex vivo (EC(50) = 3.6 nM versus 0.8 nM for AVP) and reduced rat ear skin blood flow after intravenous infusion in vivo (ED(50) = 4.0 versus 3.4 pmol/kg/min for AVP). The duration of its vasopressor effect by intravenous bolus in rats was as short as AVP at submaximally effective doses. FE 202158 had no V(2)R-mediated antidiuretic activity in rats by intravenous infusion at its ED(50) for reduction of ear skin blood flow, in contrast with the pronounced antidiuretic effect of AVP. Thus, FE 202158 seems suitable for treatment of conditions where V(1a)R activity is desirable but V(2)R activity is potentially deleterious, such as vasodilatory hypotension in septic shock. In addition to the desirable selectivity profile, its short-acting nature should allow dose titration with rapid onset and offset of action to optimize vasoconstriction efficacy and safety.

Structure-activity relationship studies of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists containing S-aryl/alkyl norcysteines and their oxidized derivatives.

A series of acyline analogues incorporating l- and d-isomers of S-arylated/alkylated norcysteines [Ncy(R), where R is 2-naphthyl, methyl, and isopropyl] at positions 1, 4, 7, and 10 were synthesized. Some of these analogues were mono- and dioxidized to sulfoxides and sulfones. All of the analogues of acyline were screened for the antagonism of the GnRH-induced response in a reporter gene assay in HEK-293 cells expressing the human GnRH receptor. Nine of the analogues (9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, and 22) had antagonistic potency (IC50 < 2 nM) similar to that of acyline (IC50 = 0.52 nM) in this assay. Selected analogues (9, 11, 15, 16, 19, and 21) were tested in vitro for their antagonism at the rat GnRH-R in a reporter gene assay as well as in an in vivo intact male rat assay. Analogues 9 and 15 were the most potent in suppressing testosterone levels.

Novel analogues of degarelix incorporating hydroxy-, methoxy-, and pegylated-urea moieties at positions 3, 5, 6 and the N-terminus. Part III.

Novel degarelix (Fe200486) analogues were screened for antagonism of GnRH-induced response (IC(50)) in a reporter gene assay. Inhibition of luteinizing hormone release over time was measured in the castrated male rat. N(omega)-Hydroxy- and N(omega)-methoxy-carbamoylation of Dab and Dap at position 3 (3-6), and N(omega)-hydroxy-,N(omega)-methoxy-carbamoylation and pegylation of 4Aph at positions 5 and 6 (7-10, 15-17, 22-25) were carried out. Modulation of hydrophobicity was achieved using different acylating groups at the N-terminus (11-14, 18-21, 26-28). Analogues 8, 15-17, 22, and 23 were equipotent to acyline (IC(50) = 0.69 nM) and degarelix (IC(50) = 0.58 nM) in vitro. Analogues 7, 17, and 23 were shorter acting than acyline, when 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, and 22 were longer acting. Only 9 and 14 were inactive at releasing histamine. No analogue exhibited a duration of action comparable to that of degarelix. Analogues with shorter and longer retention times on HPLC (a measure of hydrophilicity) than degarelix were identified.

Identification of novel subtype selective RAR agonists.

Drugs targeting retinoid receptors have been developed to treat a variety of therapeutic indications, but their success has been limited in part due to lack of selectivity. A novel functional cell-based assay R-SATtrade mark was employed to screen a small molecule chemical library and identify a variety of novel RAR agonists with various subtype selectivities, including RARbeta/gamma and RARgamma selective agonists. A novel class of synthetic compounds that distinguishes between the different RARbeta isoforms is described. This pharmacophore displays anti-proliferative activity and induces differentiation in a neuronal cell line, consistent with a classical retinoid mechanism of action while providing unique subtype selectivity. These novel subtype selective RAR agonists could serve as powerful tools to probe into subtype and isoform-specific retinoid function.

Iterative approach to the discovery of novel degarelix analogues: substitutions at positions 3, 7, and 8. Part II.

Degarelix (FE200486, Ac-d-2Nal(1)-d-4Cpa(2)-d-3Pal(3)-Ser(4)-4Aph(l-Hor)(5)-d-4Aph(Cbm)(6)-Leu(7)-ILys(8)-Pro(9)-d-Ala(10)-NH(2)) is a potent and very long acting antagonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) after subcutaneous administration in mammals including humans. Analogues of degarelix were synthesized, characterized, and screened for the antagonism of GnRH-induced response in a reporter gene assay in HEK-293 cells expressing the human GnRH receptor. The duration of action was also determined in the castrated male rat assay to measure the extent (efficacy and duration of action) of inhibition of luteinizing hormone (LH) release. Structurally, this series of analogues has novel substitutions at positions 3, 7, and 8 and N(alpha)-methylation at positions 6, 7, and 8 in the structure of degarelix. These substitutions were designed to probe the spatial limitations of the receptor's cavity and to map the steric and ionic boundaries. Some functional groups were introduced that were hypothesized to influence the phamacokinetic properties of the analogues such as bioavailability, solubility, intra- or intermolecular hydrogen bond forming capacity, and ability to bind carrier proteins. Substitutions at positions 3 ([N(beta)-(2-pyridyl-methyl)d-Dap(3)]degarelix, IC(50) = 2.71 nM) (5), 7 ([Pra(7)]degarelix, IC(50) = 2.11 nM) (16), and 8 ([N(delta)-(IGly)Orn(8)]degarelix, IC(50) = 1.38 nM) (20) and N-methylation ([N(alpha)-methyl-Leu(7)]degarelix, IC(50) = 1.47 nM) (32) yielded analogues that were equipotent to degarelix (2) in vitro (IC(50) = 1.64 nM) but shorter acting in vivo. Out of the 33 novel analogues tested for the duration of action in this series, two analogues ([N(epsilon)-cyclohexyl-Lys(8)]degarelix, IC(50) = 1.50 nM) (23) and ([N(beta)-(IbetaAla)Dap(8)]degarelix, IC(50) = 1.98 nM) (26) had antagonist potencies and duration of action similar to that of azaline B {inhibited LH (>80%) release for >72 h after sc injection to castrated male rats at a standard dose of 50 mug/rat in 5% mannitol}. Under similar conditions analogues ([N(gamma)-(IGly)Dab(8)]degarelix, IC(50) = 1.56 nM) (21) and ([IOrn(8)]degarelix, IC(50) = 1.72 nM) (18) had a longer duration of action {inhibited LH (>96 h) release} than azaline B; however they were shorter acting than degarelix. Hydrophilicity of these analogues, a potential measure of their ability to be formulated for sustained release, was determined using RP-HPLC at neutral pH yielding analogues with shorter as well as longer retention times. No correlation was found between retention times and antagonist potency or duration of action.

Synthesis, in vivo and in vitro biological activity of novel azaline B analogs.

Several azaline B analogs (2-10) were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to antagonize GnRH in vitro and for duration of action in inhibiting luteinizing hormone secretion in a castrated male rat assay in vivo. Analogs, 8 (IC(50) = 1.85 nM), and 9 (IC(50) = 1.78 nM), are equipotent with azaline B (1, IC(50) = 1.36 nM) in vitro. Whereas 9 is short acting, 8 is as long acting as azaline B. Other analogs have IC(50) greater than 2.0 nM and are all short acting.

Novel gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists with substitutions at position 5.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists with high potency and improved duration of action are needed for potential clinical applications. We synthesized four new antagonists (2-5) of GnRH homologues to Azaline B (1), with a common core sequence of [Aph(X)5, D-Aph(Cbm)6]Azaline B. In these analogs, (X) contains hydrophobic aromatic moieties (like homoveratoyl in 2, homovanillyl in 3, 2,5-dimethoxyphenylacetyl in 4, and 3,5-dimethoxyphenylacetyl in 5) designed to improve the duration of action over that of Azaline B. These analogs were tested in vitro for their ability to antagonize the GnRH receptor and in vivo for duration of action in a castrated male rat assay. Analogs 2, 4, and 5 were potent in vitro, but were found to be short acting in vivo. However, analog 3 [Aph(Hvn)5,D-Aph(Cbm)6]Azaline B is a potent human GnRH receptor antagonist in vitro (IC50 1.47 nM) and exhibits a longer duration of action than azaline B.

Retinoic acid receptor ligands based on the 6-cyclopropyl-2,4-hexadienoic acid.

A series of novel cyclopropanyl methyl hexadienoic acid retinoids was designed and prepared. These compounds exhibited either selective activity as RXR agonists or pan-agonists on one or more of each of the RAR and RXR isoforms. The most potent pan-agonist 5a (RAR's EC(50)=17-59 nM; RXR's EC(50)=6-14 nM) showed good antiproliferative properties in the in vitro cancer cell lines, ME 180 and RPMI 8226.