Identification and optimisation of a pyrimidopyridone series of IRAK4 inhibitors.

In this article, we report the discovery of a series of pyrimidopyridones as inhibitors of IRAK4 kinase. From a previously disclosed 5-azaquinazoline series, we found that switching the pyridine ring for an N-substituted pyridone gave a novel hinge binding scaffold which retained potency against IRAK4. Importantly, introduction of the carbonyl established an internal hydrogen bond with the 4-NH, establishing a conformational lock and allowing truncation of the large basic substituent to a 1-methylcyclopyl group. Subsequent optimisation, facilitated by X-ray crystal structures, allowed identification of preferred substituents at both the pyridone core and pyrazole. Subsequent combinations of optimal groups allowed control of lipophilicity and identification of potent and selective inhibitors of IRAK4 with better in vitro permeability and lower clearance.

Realisation of small molecule libraries based on frameworks distantly related to natural products.

The availability of high-quality screening compounds is of paramount importance for the discovery of innovative new medicines. Natural product (NP) frameworks can inspire the design of productive compound libraries. Here, we describe the design and synthesis of four compound libraries based on scaffolds that have broad NP-like features, but that are only distantly related to specific NPs. The optimisation of syntheses of the scaffolds using [5 + 2] cycloaddition chemistry is detailed, together with methods to yield exemplar decorated screening compounds. In each case, a library was nominated for production, leading to a total of >2900 screening compounds that augmented the Joint European Compound Library of the European Lead Factory.

Discovery of 5-substituent-N-arylbenzamide derivatives as potent, selective and orally bioavailable LRRK2 inhibitors.

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease. Herein we report the discovery of 5-substituent-N-arylbenzamide derivatives as novel LRRK2 inhibitors. Extensive SAR study led to the discovery of compounds 8e, which demonstrated potent LRRK2 inhibition activity, high selectivity across the kinome, good brain exposure, and high oral bioavailability.

Discovery of a novel series of nonacidic benzofuran EP1 receptor antagonists.

We describe the discovery and optimization of a novel series of benzofuran EP(1) antagonists, leading to the identification of 26d, a novel nonacidic EP(1) antagonist which demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models of chronic inflammatory pain.

Discovery of 1-[4-(3-chlorophenylamino)-1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridin-7-yl]-1-morpholin-4-ylmethanone (GSK554418A), a brain penetrant 5-azaindole CB2 agonist for the treatment of chronic pain.

We report the synthesis and SAR of a series of novel azaindole CB(2) agonists. 6-Azaindole 18 showed activity in an acute pain model but was inactive in a chronic model. 18 is a Pgp substrate with low brain penetration. The template was redesigned, and the resulting 5-azaindole 36 was a potent CB(2) agonist with high CNS penetration. This compound was efficacious in the acute model and the chronic joint pain model.

Pyridine-3-carboxamides as novel CB(2) agonists for analgesia.

We describe herein the medicinal chemistry approach which led to the discovery of a novel pyridine-3-carboxamide series of CB(2) receptor agonists. The SAR of this new template was evaluated and culminated in the identification of analogue 14a which demonstrated efficacy in an in vivo model of inflammatory pain.

Total synthesis of wasabidienones B1 and B0 via SIBX-mediated hydroxylative phenol dearomatization.

The first total synthesis of the natural nondimerizing o-quinol (+)-wasabidienone B1 was achieved from commercially available 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene. The key dearomatizing transformation was efficiently accomplished via a hydroxylative phenol dearomatization reaction using the stabilized lambda(5)-iodane reagent IBX (SIBX). (+)-Wasabidienone B1 was then converted into its congener (-)-wasabidienone B0 via an improved thermally induced ring-contracting isomerization reaction.

Discovery of 2-[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)amino]-N-[(tetrahydro- 2H-pyran-4-yl)methyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)- 5-pyrimidinecarboxamide, a selective CB2 receptor agonist for the treatment of inflammatory pain.

Selective CB2 receptor agonists are promising potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. A focused screen identified a pyrimidine ester as a partial agonist at the CB2 receptor with micromolar potency. Subsequent lead optimization identified 35, GW842166X, as the optimal compound in the series. 35 has an oral ED50 of 0.1 mg/kg in the rat FCA model of inflammatory pain and was selected as a clinical candidate for this indication.