Development and Validation of Stability-Indicating Assay Method for a Novel Oxazolidinone (PH-192) with Anticonvulsant Activity by Using UHPLC-QToF-MS.

The treatment of seizure disorders with currently available pharmacotherapeutic agents is not optimal due to the failure of some patients to respond, coupled with occurrences of side effects. There is therefore a need for research into the development of new chemical entities as potential anticonvulsant agents, which are different structurally from the existing class of drugs. We recently identified a novel triazolyl-oxazolidinone derivative, PH-192, as a potential anticonvulsant agent. PH-192 demonstrated protection comparable to phenytoin against both chemically- and electrically-induced seizures in rodents with little or no central nervous system side effects. However, PH-192 did not exhibit protection beyond 30 min; therefore, we decide to investigate a stability-indicating assay of PH-192 in plasma and other solutions. A reliable and validated analytical method was developed to investigate the stability of PH-192 for 90 min in human plasma, acidic, basic, and oxidative conditions, using a Waters Acquity ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system with a quaternary Solvent Manager (H-Class). A simple extraction method indicated that PH-192 was stable in human plasma after 90 min at 37 °C, with more than 90% successfully recovered. Moreover, stress stability studies were performed, and degradants were identified using LC-QToF-MS under acidic, basic, and oxidative simulated conditions.

Anti-allergic, anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory effects of an oxazolidinone hydroxamic acid derivative (PH-251) - A novel dual inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase and mast cell degranulation.

We have recently reported the discovery of a series of oxazolidinone hydroxamic acid derivatives that are potent inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) [arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase; EC 1.13.11.34]. We now report that one of the most active members of this series, compound PH-251, [(R)-N-((3-(3-fluoro-4-morpholinophenyl)-2-oxooxazolidin-5-yl) methyl)-N-hydroxyoctanamide], also possesses a unique and strong ability to concurrently inhibit mast cell degranulation. PH-251 inhibited the biosynthesis of leukotriene C4 (LTC4), as well as degranulation of IgE/allergen-activated bone marrow-derived mouse mast cells (BMMC) in vitro. In contrast, zileuton (the prototype 5-LO inhibitor) inhibited leukotriene generation, but not degranulation. Consistent with its dual activity, compound PH-251 also significantly inhibited both the early and the late anaphylactic contractions of guinea pig lung parenchymal strip, whereas zileuton inhibited only the late (leukotriene-dependent) contractions. Comparative structure-activity analysis of PH-251 and its structural analogues showed that the anti-degranulation effect appeared to be dependent on the length of the straight-chain hydrocarbon substitution on the hydroxamic acid moiety. In the in vivo studies, PH-251 (3-30 mg/kg s.c.) strongly inhibited various components of zymosan-induced peritonitis - a typical non-allergic LT-dependent animal model of inflammation. In the mouse allergic asthma model, the compound significantly inhibited allergen-induced bronchial eosinophilic inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness to inhaled methacholine. These results show that PH-251 is a unique dual inhibitor of 5-LO and mast cell degranulation, with in vivo activity in animal models of disease and may therefore offer potential advantages over single-target drugs in the treatment of asthma and other allergic and inflammatory diseases.

Anti-progressive Effects of a Series of Glycinyl and Alaninyl Triazolyl-oxazolidinones on Kelly Neuroblastoma Cell Line.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Neuroblastoma (NB), the most common extracranial malignant childhood tumor accounts for about 15% of cancer-related deaths in children. Despite the intensive treatment of patients with high-risk scarification of NB, clinical outcomes indicate tumor recurrence greater than 50% and late severe adverse effects. Oxazolidinones are 5-membered heterocyclic compounds with antibacterial activity against resistant bacterial strains. Structural modifications around the oxazolidinone moiety have resulted in derivatives with anti-cancer properties against proliferation, motility, and invasion of breast cancer cells. This study aimed to examine the anti-cancer potential of novel oxazolidinones against a model of a neuroblastoma cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Newly synthesized and characterized triazolyl-oxazolidinone derivatives were incubated with neuroblastoma Kelly cells. The anti-proliferation and anti-progression effects of the compounds were evaluated by MTT, and adhesion with migration assays. RESULTS: The 5-nitrofuroyl glycinyl-oxazolidinone containing 4-methyltriazolyl group demonstrated the most potent activity with an IC50=6.52 µM. Furthermore, the D-isomer of 5-nitrothiophenecarbonyl alaninyl containing derivative reduced the adhesion to fibronectin by 56.34%, while the D-isomer of 5-nitrofuroyl alaninyl derivative reduced the migration of Kelly cells by 29.14%. CONCLUSION: The presence of the 4-methyltriazolyl moiety seems to enhance the anti-proliferative property of triazolyl-oxazolidinone derivatives, as demonstrated by PH-145. There is little or no effect of the stereochemistry of the alanine side-chain on the antiproliferative effect, as demonstrated by the 5-nitrofuroyl D- and L-alaninyl containing derivatives with similar IC50 values. The observed differences in the inhibition of adhesion and migration by the oxazolidinones on Kelly cells provide a new therapeutic approach that needs further investigation.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of novel 5-(hydroxamic acid)methyl oxazolidinone derivatives as 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors.

Oxazolidinone hydroxamic acid derivatives were synthesised and evaluated for inhibitory activity against leukotriene (LT) biosynthesis in three in vitro cell-based test systems and on direct inhibition of recombinant human 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). Thirteen of the 19 compounds synthesised were considered active ((50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) ≤ 10 µM in two or more test systems)). Increasing alkyl chain length on the hydroxamic acid moiety enhanced activity and morpholinyl-containing derivatives were more active than N-acetyl-piperizinyl derivatives. The IC50 values in cell-based assay systems were comparable to those obtained by direct inhibition of 5-LO activity, confirming that the compounds are direct inhibitors of 5-LO. Particularly, compounds PH-249 and PH-251 had outstanding potencies (IC50 < 1 µM), comparable to that of the prototype 5-LO inhibitor, zileuton. Pronounced in vivo activity was demonstrated in zymosan-induced peritonitis in mice. These novel oxazolidinone hydroxamic acid derivatives are, therefore, potent 5-LO inhibitors with potential application as anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory agents.

A novel oxazolidinone derivative PH192 demonstrates anticonvulsant activity in vivo in rats and mice.

The pharmacotherapeutic management of seizure disorders with currently available medications is not optimal due to side effects and failure of some patients to respond to all available medications. As such there is the need to develop new antiseizure drugs by looking at new chemical classes of compounds. We recently screened, in vitro, a new class of compounds, the oxazolidinones, for actions in the brain that may indicate potential for antiseizure activity. A few compounds were identified with such a potential. Here we tested whether one of these lead compounds, PH192, will exhibit in vivo antiseizure activity using chemically- and electrically- induced seizures models in mice and rats. Out of 5 compounds tested, all of them had minimal neurotoxicological effects in mice, with PH192 being the best, with comparable efficacy (ED50) and toxicity (TD50) to only levetiracetam. Intraperitoneal (IP) pretreatment with PH192 produced a dose-dependent protection of mice from seizures induced using the 6 Hz stimulation protocol with an estimated ED50 of 34.5 mg/kg in mice and about 90 mg/kg in rats and a neurotoxic dose >500 mg/kg in mice, yielding a calculated neuro (protective) index of >14.7. When pretreated with 100 mg/kg PH192 for 30 min, about 75% of mice were protected from 6 Hz-induced seizures. When rats were pretreated for 30 min with PH192, 66.6% of rats were protected from seizures induced using the 6 Hz stimulation protocol while 83.3% were protected using the maximal electroshock (MES) stimulation protocol. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection at 50, and 100 mg/kg produced stage 5 seizures in all rats. Thirty minutes IP pretreatment of rats with 100 mg/kg PH192 protected 80% of rats from the PTZ-induced seizures, a level of protection similar to that obtained with a reference antiepileptic drug (AED) phenytoin (40 mg/kg), that is used clinically for the treatment of various seizure disorders. The results of these studies indicate that PH192 protects against both chemically- and electrically-induced seizures with little central nervous system side effects. This suggests that the oxazolidinone pharmacophore has potential for discovering new antiepileptic drugs with possibly minimal central side effects.

Alleviation of impaired reactivity in the corpus cavernosum of STZ-diabetic rats by slow-release H2S donor GYY4137.

GYY4137 is a novel hydrogen sulfide (H2S) releasing molecule with vasodilator activity. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (1) the pharmacological effect of GYY4137 on the reactivity of the corpus cavernosum (CC) from normal and diabetic rats; (2) the contribution of ATP-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channels and nitric oxide (NO) pathway; (3) the reactivity to vasoactive agonists following ex vivo incubation of the diabetic rat CC with GYY4137. Longitudinal strips of CC from control and diabetic male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 5-6 animals per group) were suspended in organ-baths. Responses to GYY4137, carbachol, or phenylephrine (PE) were determined by measurement of changes in isometric tension. The effects of acute incubation of the CC strips with L-NAME (NO synthase inhibitor) or glibenclamide (K-ATP channel inhibitor) on the relaxant responses to GYY4137 were examined. The effect of ex vivo incubation with GYY4137 (10-5 M) on the responses of CC to carbachol or PE was evaluated. We found that GYY4137 provoked relaxation in the CC strips, which was significantly reduced in the presence of L-NAME or glibenclamide. Ex vivo incubation of diabetic CC with GYY4137 resulted in a significant improvement in the vascular responses to the added agonists. We conclude that GYY4137 is a relaxant agonist in SD rats CC, and the response is mediated, at least in part, by NO and K-ATP channels. Brief incubation of diabetic CC with GYY4137 markedly improved the impaired vascular reactivity, thus raising the question whether chronic in vivo treatment of diabetic animals with GYY4137 would have any protective effect, which is worth further investigation.

Antimycobacterial Activities of N-Substituted-Glycinyl 1H-1,2,3-Triazolyl Oxazolidinones and Analytical Method Development and Validation for a Representative Compound.

Twelve N-substituted-glycinyl triazolyl oxazolidinone derivatives were screened for antimycobacterial activity against susceptible (Mycobacteriumtuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv) and resistant (isoniazid (INH)-resistant Mtb (SRI 1369), rifampin (RMP)-resistant Mtb (SRI 1367), and ofloxacin (OFX)-resistant Mtb (SRI 4000)) Mtb strains. Most of the compounds showed moderate to strong antimycobacterial activity against all strains tested, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ranges of 0.5-11.5, 0.056-11.6, 0.11-5.8, and 0.03-11.6 µM, and percent inhibition ranges of 41-79%, 51-72%, 50-75%, and 52-71% against Mtb H37Rv, INH-R, RMP-R, and OFX-R M.tuberculosis, respectively. The 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl and 5-nitrofuroyl derivatives demonstrated strong antimycobacterial activities with the N-(5-nitrofuroyl) derivatives (PH-145 and PH-189) being the most potent, with MIC value range of 0.3-0.6 µM against all strains tested. Compounds were not bactericidal, but showed intracellular (macrophage) antimycobacterial activity. A reliable validated analytical method was developed for a representative compound PH-189 using Waters Acquity ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) system with quaternary Solvent Manager (H-Class). A simple extraction method indicated that PH-189 was stable in human plasma after 90 min at 37 °C with more than 90% successfully recovered. Moreover, stress stability studies were performed and degradants were identified by using UHPLC-ESI-QToF under acidic, basic, and oxidative simulated conditions.

Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study for Linezolid and Two Novel Antibacterial Oxazolidinone Derivatives in Rabbits: Can Differences in the Pharmacokinetic Properties Explain the Discrepancies between Their In Vivo and In Vitro Antibacterial Activities?

This is a comparative pharmacokinetics study of linezolid (Lzd), and two novel oxazolidinone antibacterial agents-PH027 and PH051-in rabbits to determine if the discrepancy between the in vitro and in vivo activities of the novel compounds is due to pharmacokinetic factors. The pharmacokinetics after IV and oral administration, plasma protein binding and tissue distribution for the three compounds were compared. The elimination half-lives were 52.4 ± 6.3, 68.7 ± 12.1 and 175 ± 46.1 min for Lzd, PH027 and PH051, respectively. The oral bioavailability for Lzd, PH027 and PH051 administered as suspension were 38.7%, 22.1% and 4.73%, which increased significantly when administered as microemulsion to 51.7%, 72.9% and 13.9%. The plasma protein binding were 32-34%, 37-38% and 90-91% for Lzd, PH027 and PH051. The tissue distribution for PH027 and PH051 in all investigated tissues were higher than that for Lzd. It can be concluded that the lower bioavailability of PH027 and PH051 compared to Lzd when administered as suspension is the main cause of their lower in vivo activity, despite their comparable in vitro activity. Differences in the other pharmacokinetic characteristics cannot explain the lower in vivo activity. The in vivo activity of the novel compounds should be re-evaluated using formulations with good oral bioavailability.

A validated UPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of linezolid and a novel oxazolidinone derivative (PH027) in plasma and its application to tissue distribution study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: Linezolid is the first approved oxazolidinone antibacterial agent, whereas PH027 is a novel compound of the same class that exhibits good in vitro antibacterial activity. The objective of this study was to develop an UPLC-MS/MS assay for the analysis of linezolid and PH027 in plasma and to apply the method for comparative pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies of both compounds. METHOD: Plasma samples and calibrators were extracted with diethyl ether after addition of the internal standard solution. After evaporation of the ether layer, the residue was reconstituted in mobile phase and injected into UPLC-MS/MS. The mobile phase consisted of 2mM ammonium acetate buffer solution and acetonitrile (70:30) at a flow rate of 0.2ml/min. Separation was achieved using UPLC BEH C18 column, and quantitative determination of the analytes was performed using multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning mode. The method was validated by analyzing quality control tissue homogenate samples, and was applied to analyze tissue homogenate samples obtained following IV injections of linezolid and PH027 in rabbits. RESULTS: The developed UPLC-MS/MS method was linear in the concentration range of 50-5000ng/ml. Validation of the method proved that the method's precision, selectivity and stability were all within the acceptable limits. Linezolid and PH027 concentrations were accurately determined in the quality control tissue homogenate samples, and analysis of samples obtained following IV administration of the two compounds showed that the tissue to plasma concentration ratio of PH027 was higher than that of linezolid probably due to its higher lipophilicity. CONCLUSIONS: The developed UPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of linezolid and PH027 in rabbit's plasma can accurately determine the concentrations of these compounds in different tissues.

Antiproliferative activity of a series of 5­(1H­1,2,3­triazolyl) methyl­ and 5­acetamidomethyl­oxazolidinone derivatives.

In the face of increasing resistance to the existing antibiotics, oxazolidinones (exemplified by linezolid) have been developed as promising antibacterial agents, but may have other useful actions. In the present study, a series of 5­(1H­1,2,3­triazoly) l­methyl­, 5­acetamidomethyl­morpholino and N­substituted­piperazino oxazolidinone derivatives were investigated to determine whether they are active against eukaryotic cells. An MTT assay, validated by cell counting, was used to assess the effect of nine oxazolidinone derivatives (concentrations 100 nM­10 µM) on the proliferation of MCF7 human breast cancer cells. The three most active compounds were then tested on MDA231 breast cancer cells. Cytotoxicity of the selected derivatives was determined by assessing the extent of apoptosis by flow cytometry. The antimetastatic potential of these compounds was assessed on MDA231 cells using wound healing and agarose invasion assays. The 5­triazolylmethyl piperazino­oxazolidinone derivatives containing 4­N­(2­chlorocinnamoyl), 4­N­(4­nitrobenzoyl) and 4­N­methylsulfonyl moieties exhibited the most potent cytostatic activity against cancer, inhibiting proliferation by up to 70%, in the same order as their reported antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, but at higher concentrations. Unexpectedly, several derivatives stimulated proliferation at 100 nM, well below their antibacterial minimum inhibitory concentrations. Certain compounds also retarded the motility and invasion of MDA231 cells. Three of the tested derivatives had no effect on the eukaryotic cell lines, demonstrating their preferential activity against bacteria. Two compounds actually stimulated eukaryotic cell proliferation. The remaining three exhibited potent cytostatic activity against and cancer cells, displaying differences in response at low and high concentrations, which may suggest multiple targets on eukaryotic cells. These latter compounds may be useful as anticancer agents.

Oxazolidinone antimicrobials: a patent review (2012-2015).

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance in Gram-positive bacteria is a major health care issue. This review summarizes patent publications from 2012 to 2015 that divulged novel oxazolidinones as antibacterial agents. AREAS COVERED: A total of 25 patents obtained from Espacenet, WIPO Patentscope and FreePatentsOnline, and AcclaimIP search engines were reviewed. The patents were scrutinized based on the novelty of the compounds, their antibacterial activity (MIC, µg/mL), and the process of preparation. The oxazolidinones with promising antibacterial activity were classified according to the following structural diversities, as biaryl heterocyclic, fused heteroaryl rings containing oxazolidinones, and others. The biaryl heterocyclic, fused heteroaryl, benzoxazine, and the 1H-pyrazol-1-yl containing oxazolidinone derivatives demonstrated potent antibacterial activities superior to linezolid against Gram-positive bacteria. Some derivatives were effective against standard strains of Gram-negative bacteria, namely Moraxella catarrhalis ATCC A894, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. In addition, a patent disclosed a structural isomer of linezolid with marginal activity against the aerobic Gram-negative bacteria MDR Stenotrophomonas (Xanthomonas) maltophilia, while linezolid and vancomycin did not inhibit growth. Finally, some derivatives showed activity against respiratory infectious diseases' causative agents, such as B. anthracis, B. mallei, Y. pestis, and M. pneumoniae. EXPERT OPINION: Overall, there is limited in vivo data to support the potential clinical advancement of the currently reported novel derivatives.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 5-(hydroxamic acid)methyl oxazolidinone derivatives.

Research activities on the oxazolidinone antibacterial class of compounds continue to focus on developing newer derivatives with improved potency, broad-spectrum activity and safety profiles superior to linezolid. Among the safety concerns with the oxazolidinone antibacterial agents is inhibition of monoamine oxidases (MAO) resulting from their structural similarity with toloxatone, a known MAO inhibitor. Diverse substitution patterns at the C-5 position of the oxazolidinone ring have been shown to significantly affect both antibacterial activity and MAO inhibition to varying degrees. Also, the antibacterial activity of compounds containing iron-chelating functionalities, such as the hydroxamic acids, 8-hydroxyquinolines and catechols have been correlated to their ability to alter iron intake and/or metabolism. Hence a series of novel 5-(hydroxamic acid)methyl oxazolidinone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antibacterial and MAO-A and -B inhibitory activities. The compounds were devoid of significant antibacterial activity but most demonstrated moderate MAO-A and -B inhibitory activities. Computer modeling studies revealed that the lack of potent antibacterial activity was due to significant steric interaction between the hydroxamic acid N-OH oxygen atom and one of the G2540 5'-phosphate oxygen atoms at the bacterial ribosomal binding site. Therefore, the replacement of the 5-acetamidomethyl group of linezolid with the 5-(N-hydroxyacetamido)methyl group present in the hydroxamic acid oxazolidinone derivatives was concluded to be detrimental to antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the 5-(hydroxamic acid)methyl oxazolidinone derivatives were also less active as MAO-A and -B inhibitors compared with linezolid and the selective inhibitors clorgyline and pargyline. In general, the 5-(hydroxamic acid)methyl oxazolidinone derivatives demonstrated moderate but selective MAO-B inhibitory activity.

Evaluation of the monoamine oxidases inhibitory activity of a small series of 5-(azole)methyl oxazolidinones.

Oxazolidinone class of compounds continue to generate interest as promising agents effective against sensitive and resistant Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria strains. Recent focus is to develop new potent derivatives with improved broad-spectrum activity and safety profile superior to linezolid. An important toxicity issue for this class of compounds arises from the structural similarity with toloxatone, a known MAO inhibitor. Herein, we report the evaluation of a small series of 5-(1H-1,2,3-triazolyl)-, 5-(4-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl)-, 5-(5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolyl)- and 5-imidazolyl-methyl oxazolidinone analogs with and without antibacterial activity for their effects as inhibitors of monoamine-A and -B (MAO-A and -B) oxidases. Substitutions at the oxazolidinone C-5 position significantly affected antibacterial activity and MAO inhibition. The N-substituted-glycinyl 1H-1,2,3-triazolyl methyl oxazolidinones with potent antibacterial activity demonstrated only weak to moderate affinity for MAO-A and -B, supporting further investigation for this group of compounds.

Evaluation of anticonvulsant actions of dibromophenyl enaminones using in vitro and in vivo seizure models.

Epilepsy and other seizure disorders are not adequately managed with currently available drugs. We recently synthesized a series of dibromophenyl enaminones and demonstrated that AK6 and E249 were equipotent to previous analogs but more efficacious in suppressing neuronal excitation. Here we examined the actions of these lead compounds on in vitro and in vivo seizure models. In vitro seizures were induced in the hippocampal slice chemically (zero Mg2+ buffer and picrotoxin) and electrically using patterned high frequency stimulation (HFS) of afferents. In vivo seizures were induced in rats using the 6 Hz and the maximal electroshock models. AK6 (10 µM) and E249 (10 µM) depressed the amplitude of population spikes recorded in area CA1 of the hippocampus by -50.5±4.3% and -40.1±3.1% respectively, with partial recovery after washout. In the zero Mg2+ model, AK6 (10 µM) depressed multiple population spiking (mPS) by -59.3±6.9% and spontaneous bursts (SBs) by -65.9±7.2% and in the picrotoxin-model by -43.3±7.2% and -50.0±8.3%, respectively. Likewise, E249 (10 µM) depressed the zero-Mg2+-induced mPS by -48.8±9.5% and SBs by -55.8±15.5%, and in the picrotoxin model by -37.1±5.5% and -56.5±11.4%, respectively. They both suppressed post-HFS induced afterdischarges and SBs. AK6 and E249 dose-dependently protected rats in maximal electroshock and 6 Hz models of in vivo seizures after 30 min pretreatment. Their level of protection in both models was similar to that obtained with phenytoin Finally, while AK6 had no effect on locomotion in rats, phenytoin significantly decreased locomotion. AK6 and E249, suppressed in vitro and in vivo seizures to a similar extent. Their in vivo activities are comparable with but not superior to phenytoin. The most efficacious, AK6 produced no locomotor suppression while phenytoin did. Thus, AK6 and E249 may be excellent candidates for further investigation as potential agents for the treatment of epilepsy syndromes with possibly less CNS side effects.

Synthesis, neuronal activity and mechanisms of action of halogenated enaminones.

Due to the excellent anticonvulsant activity of previously synthesized halogenated enaminones, more disubstituted analogs were synthesized and evaluated in vitro. The new enaminones either had no effect, depressed, or enhanced population spike (PS) amplitude in the rat hippocampus in a concentration-dependent manner. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that compounds 21 and 25 (with dibromo substituents) were equipotent, and more potent than compound 2 (with dichloro substituents), with compound 25 being the most efficacious of all tested compounds. Both diiodo derivatives 30 and 31 tested produced no significant effect on PS. For PS depression, phenyl substitution on the cyclohexenone ring produced the most efficacious compound 25. PS depressing analogues also depressed evoked excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) and action potential firing frequency. Removal of phenyl or methyl group from position 6 on the cyclohexenone ring of enaminone esters produced compound 28 which exhibited pro-convulsant effects. There was no direct correlation between C log P values and anticonvulsant activity of the halogenated enaminones. The mechanisms of anticonvulsant activity were the indirect suppression of excitatory synaptic transmission by enhancing extracellular GABA, and the direct suppression of action potential firing of the neurons.

Synthesis and antibacterial activities of N-substituted-glycinyl 1H-1,2,3-triazolyl oxazolidinones.

A series of 1H-1,2,3-triazolyl piperazino oxazolidinone analogs with optionally varied glycinyl substitutions were synthesized and their antibacterial activity assessed against a panel of susceptible and resistant Gram-positive and selected Gram-negative bacteria including clinical isolates. The N-aroyl- and N-heteroaroyl-glycinyl (MIC: 0.06-4 µg/ml) derivatives were more potent than the N-acylglycinyl (2-8 µg/ml) derivatives against all Gram-positive bacteria tested. Nitro substitution on aryl and heteroaryl rings significantly enhanced activity against Gram-positive bacteria, as noted with the 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl (6m and 6n) and 5-nitro-2-furoyl (6u and 6v) derivatives with MIC ranges of and 0.25-0.5 and 0.06-0.5 µg/ml, respectively. These nitro analogs also showed more potent extended activity against Moraxella catarrhalis, with MICs ranges of 0.25-1 µg/ml, compared to linezolid (MIC: 8 µg/ml). Hence, the presence of the N-aroyl and/or N-heteroaroyl glycinyl structural motifs as spacer group could significantly enhance the antibacterial activities of 1H-1,2,3-triazolyl oxazolidinone class of compounds.

Novel actions of oxazolidinones: in vitro screening of a triazolyloxazolidinone for anticonvulsant activity.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a triazolyloxazolidinone (PH084) has anticonvulsant activity by examining its effects on in vitro seizure models in the rat hippocampus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole-cell synaptic currents, action potentials and extracellular population spikes (PS) were recorded in the cell body area of rat hippocampal CA1 region in acutely prepared slices. Chemical [picrotoxin (100 µM) and zero magnesium] and electrical seizures were induced and the effect of PH084 (10 µM) was tested on cellular responses, multiple spikes and spontaneous bursting frequencies. RESULTS: PH084 depressed evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents, action potential firing frequency and PS amplitude. All of these responses did not recover to baseline after 15-20 min washout of PH084. Perfusion with zero magnesium ion (Mg(2+))-containing buffer converted a single PS to multiple PS (mPS) accompanied by spontaneous burst. PH084 suppressed the mPS and the spontaneous burst frequency and it also suppressed the picrotoxin-induced mPS number. However, it did not affect the frequency of stimulus train-induced after discharge or bursts. Furthermore, 8-10 min pretreatment with PH084 did not affect the ability of zero Mg(2+) buffer, picrotoxin or stimulus train to induce epileptiform activity. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, while PH084 may have potential for anticonvulsant activity against chemically induced seizures, it has little or no potential against electrically induced seizures or in preventing epileptiform discharge.

Effects of varied substituents on the antibacterial activity of triazolylmethyl oxazolidinones.

A number of 1,2,3-triazolylmethyl piperazino oxazolidinone derivatives with optionally varied substituents at the 4N-piperazine position were synthesized and their antibacterial activity evaluated against a panel of susceptible and resistant Gram-positive and selected Gram-negative bacteria. Substitution with 5-membered heteroaroyl and dinitrobenzoyl moieties potentiated activity against staphylococci and enterococci strains. Furthermore, the compounds having dinitrobenzoyl 7n, 7o, and 5-nitrofuroyl 7t substitutions were four- to eightfold more potent than linezolid against M. catarrhalis. However, substitution of guanidino and other water-solubilizing functionalities at the 4N-piperazine position resulted in compounds that are devoid of antibacterial activity.

Assessment of the stability of novel antibacterial triazolyl oxazolidinones using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the stability of 12 triazolyl oxazolidinone (TOZ) derivatives in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids as well as in human plasma at 37 ± 1°C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure with a C(8) column (250 × 40 mm, 5 µm particle size) and a mobile phase of acetonitrile/H(2)O (50/50 v/v) at 1.0 ml/min was used. Accelerated stability studies were conducted at 37 ± 1°C in 0.1 M HCl solution as simulated gastric fluid and in phosphate buffer solution (pH about 7.4) as simulated intestinal fluid. The stability of TOZs in human plasma at a simulated biological temperature of 37 ± 1°C was evaluated as well. RESULTS: The stability studies indicated that the examined TOZs were stable in the above media, with the exception of compounds 1a [tert- butyl 4-(4-((R)-5-((1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)-2-fluorophenyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate] and 1b [tert-butyl 4-(2-fluoro-4-((R)-5-((4-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol- 1-yl)methyl)-2-oxooxazolidin-3-yl)phenyl) piperazine-1-carboxylate], which underwent degradation in simulated gastric fluid. The degradation kinetics revealed degradation parameters (k(deg), t(1/2), t(90)) of 0.180 h(-1), 3.85 h, and 0.58 h for 1a and of 0.184 h(-1), 3.76 h and 0.57 h for 1b, respectively. Furthermore, the degradation products were identified by mass-spectrometric analysis at mass-to-charge ratios 347.5 and 361.5, respectively, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. CONCLUSION: With the exception of compounds 1a and 1b, the TOZs are stable in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids as well as in human plasma. Being carbamate derivatives, compounds 1a and 1b underwent fast and complete degradation in simulated gastric fluid. The obtained results should be considered for future studies of formulation of structurally related TOZs in oral dosage forms.

5-Hydroxymethyl-oxazolidin-2-one antibacterials. Actelion Pharmaceuticals: WO2008062379.

The application, WO2008062379, claims chimeric compounds comprising chemically linked 5-hydroxymethyl-oxazolidinone and tetracyclic-quinolone moieties. The claimed compounds are potent expanded-range antibacterial agents against selected gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, which may exhibit dual mode of action as inhibitors of topoisomarases IV and protein synthesis. The structures of the compounds suggest that the linkers are chemically and biochemically stable. This application represents part of recently initiated research efforts at Actelion.