Bradykinin antagonists: new opportunities.

The pro-inflammatory, pain producing, and cardiovascular effects of bradykinin B2 receptor activation are well characterized. Bradykinin B1 receptors also produce inflammation and pain. Therefore, antagonists are expected to be anti-inflammatory/analgesic drugs. Other exploitable clinical opportunities may exist. The newly discovered non-peptide B2 receptor antagonists and the equivalent B1 receptor pharmacological agents, which are in the pipeline, are suitable preclinical tools to properly evaluate potential utilities.

Synthesis and biological activity of 3-amino-5-(3,5-diamino-6-chloropyrazin-2-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole: an amiloride prodrug.

The pyrazinyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles 4a and 4b were synthesized by two different approaches. The corresponding N-methyloxadiazolium salts 13a and 13b were also prepared. These compounds were evaluated for their diuretic and saluretic activity in rats and dogs. All compounds exhibited electrolyte excretion profiles similar to amiloride 1. The facile conversion of 4a to 1 was demonstrated chemically and in vivo in both rats and dogs.

Cholecystokinin antagonists. Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-substituted 4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepines.

A series of 4-substituted 4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepines was prepared by standard methodology. These compounds were tested in vitro as antagonists of the binding of [125I]cholecystokinin (CCK) to rat pancreas and guinea pig brain receptors and of the binding of [125I]gastrin to guinea pig gastric glands. All compounds proved to have greater affinity for the peripheral CCK receptor with some analogues having IC50's in the subnanomolar range. In vivo activity of selected compounds in mice is presented and the structure/activity profile of this class of benzodiazepines as CCK antagonists is discussed.

Development of 1,4-benzodiazepine cholecystokinin type B antagonists.

A series of 3-(arylureido)-5-phenyl-1,4-benzodiazepines, nonpeptidal antagonists of the peptide hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), are described. Derived by reasoned modification of the CCK-A selective 3-carboxamido-1,4-benzodiazepine, MK-329, this paper chronicles the development of potent, orally effective compounds in which selectivity for the CCK-B receptor subtype was achieved. The principal lead structure that emerged from these studied is L-365,260, a compound which has been submitted for clinical evaluation. Details of the ability to modulate the receptor interactions of these benzodiazepines by appropriate structure modifications are discussed which imply the possibility of further refining the CCK-B receptor affinity and selectivity of this class of compounds.

Design of nonpeptidal ligands for a peptide receptor: cholecystokinin antagonists.

A series of 3-substituted 5-phenyl-1,4-benzodiazepines, nonpeptidal antagonists of the peptide hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), have been synthesized. Designed on the basis of facts regarding CCK, its natural-product antagonist asperlicin (3), and the antianxiety agent diazepam (4), these compounds represent a significant departure from existing CCK antagonists. They also constitute perhaps the first examples of simple, nonpeptidal ligands for a peptide receptor to arise by design rather than by screening. These compounds serve to illuminate the distinction between central and peripheral CCK receptors, as well as to provide orally effective CCK antagonists of potential pharmacological or therapeutic utility. One rationale for their receptor affinity has possible applications in the design of nonpeptidal ligands for other receptors, peptidal as well as nonpeptidal.

Cholecystokinin antagonists. Synthesis of asperlicin analogues with improved potency and water solubility.

Seventeen analogues of the selective, competitive cholecystokinin (CCK) antagonist asperlicin 1 were prepared. These compounds were tested as inhibitors of the binding of [125I]CCK to rat pancreas and guinea pig brain receptors. Compounds 4, 7, and 8 were more potent than asperlicin on the pancreatic CCK receptor. One analogue, 17, displayed potency equivalent to asperlicin on the pancreas CCK receptor and showed a marked improvement in aqueous solubility, thereby facilitating the use of this class of CCK antagonists in physiological and pharmacological studies.

Nanomolar-affinity, non-peptide oxytocin receptor antagonists.

Non-peptide antagonists of the peptide hormone oxytocin (OT) with nanomolar OT receptor affinities are described. These compounds incorporate novel amido- and amidoalkylcamphor variations to the lead structure L-366,509 (1) to achieve receptor affinity enhancements of 2-3 orders of magnitude over that compound. The new OT antagonist L-367,773 (35) is shown to be an orally bioavailable agent with good duration in vivo and to inhibit OT-stimulated uterine contractions effectively in several in vitro and in vivo models.

Development of a novel class of cyclic hexapeptide oxytocin antagonists based on a natural product.

A new structural class of cyclic hexapeptide oxytocin antagonists derived from Streptomyces silvensis and typified by L-365,209 (cyclo-[L-prolyl1-D-phenylalanyl2-L- isoleucyl3-D-dehydropiperazyl4-L-dehydroperazyl5-D-(N- methyl)phenylalanyl6]) was recently reported. In this paper we further delineate the structure-activity profile for this new class by systematic study of L-365,209 analogs obtained by total synthesis. The optimal combination of cyclic amino acid ring sizes at positions 1, 4, and 5 and the role of the N-alkyl substituent at position 6 was elucidated. The lipophilic amino acids at positions 2 and 3 and the unusual amino acid D-dehydropiperazic acid at position 4 were found to be the most critical residues for obtaining good oxytocin receptor affinity. Analogs containing a basic side chain at the less critical 5- and 6-positions maintained good receptor affinity and also had useful levels of water solubility for intravenous formulation. By combining potency- and solubility-enhancing substitutions, several analogs were identified that have the desired combination of properties in vitro (22, cyclo-[L-prolyl-D-tryptophanyl-L-isoleucyl-D-pipecolyl-L-pipeco lyl-D- histidyl]; 25, cyclo-[L-prolyl-D-2-naphthylalanyl-L-isoleucyl-D-pipecolyl-L -pipecolyl-D- histidyl]; 26, cyclo-[L-prolyl-D-tryptophanyl-L-isoleucyl-D-dehydropiperazyl-L-++ pipecolyl-D-histidyl]; 33, cyclo-[L-prolyl-D-tryptophanyl-L-isoleucyl-D-pipecolyl-L- piperazinylcarboxy-D-(N-methyl)phenylalanyl]; 34, cyclo-[L-prolyl-D-phenylalanyl-L-isoleucyl-D-dehydropiperazyl-L-or nithyl- D-(N-methyl)phenylalanyl]). In general, this class exhibited good selectivity for binding to the oxytocin receptor versus the arginine vasopressin V1a and V2 receptor subtypes, although increased V2 receptor affinity was observed in one case (32, cyclo[L-prolyl-D-2-naphthylalanyl-L-isoleucyl-D-pipecolyl-L- lysyl-D-(N- methyl)phenylalanyl]). Unexpectedly, compound 33 was found to stimulate contractions of the isolated rat uterus via activation of the uterine bradykinin receptor. Compounds 22, 25, 26, 33, and 34 were found to be potent antagonists of oxytocin-stimulated contraction of the rat uterus in vitro and in vivo. Compounds 22 and 25 were additionally characterized as potent antagonists of oxytocin-stimulated uterine contractions in the near-term pregnant rhesus monkey. These studies thus demonstrate the selectivity and efficacy of certain members of this novel class of antagonists and suggest their use as pharmacological tools in further defining the role of oxytocin in both term and preterm labor.

Renin inhibitors containing hydrophilic groups. Tetrapeptides with enhanced aqueous solubility and nanomolar potency.

Nineteen tetrapeptides containing statine (Sta) and 4-amino-5-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxypentanoic acid (ACHPA) were prepared. Solubility measurements of these compounds were carried out in H2O and in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution, and their partition coefficients were determined in a 1:1 1-octanol/sodium phosphate-citric acid buffer system. The tetrapeptides were tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit porcine, canine, and human plasma renins. Four compounds, 6, 12, 14, and 20, were potent inhibitors against all renins tested (IC50 = 10(-9) M). Compound 12 was administered orally to dogs and substantially inhibited plasma renin activity for up to 5 h. The addition of polar groups to the C-terminus of Sta- and ACHPA-containing tetrapeptides renders them soluble in aqueous milieu and provides a valuable tool with which to examine the role of the renin-angiotensin system in physiological and pathological circumstances.

Methods for drug discovery: development of potent, selective, orally effective cholecystokinin antagonists.

3-(Acylamino)-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepines, antagonists of the peptide hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), are described. Developed by reasoned modification of the known anxiolytic benzodiazepines, these compounds provide highly potent, orally effective ligands selective for peripheral (CCK-A) receptors, with binding affinities approaching or equaling that of the natural ligand CCK-8. The distinction between CCK-A receptors on the one hand and CNS (CCK-B), gastrin, and central benzodiazepine receptors on the other is demonstrated by using the structure-activity profiles of the new compounds. Details of the binding of these agents to CCK-A receptors are examined, and the method of development of these compounds is discussed in terms of its relevance to the general problem of drug discovery.

Renin inhibitors. Statine-containing tetrapeptides with varied hydrophobic carboxy termini.

A series of statine-containing tetrapeptides, systematically modified at the carboxy terminus with various hydrophobic aromatic groups, is described. These compounds were tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit porcine, human plasma, and purified human kidney renins. These analogues help to define optimal binding aspects in a region of the enzyme that appears to be specific for spatial arrangement of aromatic groups. Replacement of the metabolically labile Phe amide with nonpeptidal groups proved possible while achieving inhibitory potency in the nanomolar range vs. porcine kidney renin. For the compounds 6i, 6m, and 6o, a large discrepancy in potency between the human plasma and the purified human kidney renin assays was observed. This disparity does not appear to be a consequence of a previously proposed plasma binding component.

Prostaglandin isosteres. 2. Chain-modified thiazolidinone prostaglandin analogues as renal vasodilators.

Chain modification of a thiazolidinone prostaglandin isostere has led to the production of 4-[3-[3-[2-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)ethyl]-4-oxo-2-thiazolidinyl]propyl] benzoic acid (5b) which at 1 mg/kg po in the conscious dog causes a 70% increase in renal blood flow over control values with a duration of action exceeding 5 h. Preliminary testing indicates that 5b has a relatively specific action on the vasculature of the kidney. The enantiomers of 5b have been separated and the renal vasodilatory activity has been found to be entirely a property of the R-(+) enantiomer.

Cholecystokinin-A receptor ligands based on the kappa-opioid agonist tifluadom.

Tifluadom, a kappa-opioid agonist and cholecystokinin-A (CCK-A) receptor antagonist, was utilized as a model to prepare a series of 2-(aminomethyl)- and 3-(aminomethyl)-1,4-benzodiazepines. These compounds were tested in vitro as inhibitors of the binding of [125I]CCK to rat pancreas and guinea pig brain receptors. All compounds with IC50's less than 100 microM proved to have greater affinity for the CCK-A receptor, with the most potent analogue, 6e, having an IC50 of 0.16 microM. The benzodiazepines described in this study are simultaneously CCK-A and opioid receptor ligands. The ramification of this dichotomy on current concepts of peptide hormone action are discussed. These results further demonstrate the versatility of the benzodiazepine core structure for designing nonpeptide ligands for peptide receptors and the ability to fine-tune the receptor interactions of these benzodiazepines by appropriate structure modifications.

1-((7,7-Dimethyl-2(S)-(2(S)-amino-4-(methylsulfonyl)butyramido)bicyclo [2.2.1]-heptan-1(S)-yl)methyl)sulfonyl)-4-(2-methylphenyl)piperaz ine (L-368,899): an orally bioavailable, non-peptide oxytocin antagonist with potential utility for managing preterm labor.

Modifications to the previously reported spiroindenylpiperidine camphor-sulfonamide oxytocin (OT) antagonist L-366,509 have produced a new series of o-tolylpiperazine (TP) camphor-sulfonamides. A number of analogues in the TP series that incorporate a modified or unmodified L-methionine sulfone amide at the C2 endo position on the camphor ring exhibit high affinity for OT receptors (IC50 = 1.3-15 nM) and good selectivity for binding to OT versus arginine vasopressin V1a and V2 receptors. Several of these analogues were additionally characterized as potent antagonists of OT-stimulated contractions of the isolated and/or in situ rat uterus. Compound 7 (L-368,899) exhibited the best overall profile of OT receptor affinity (IC50 = 8.9 nM, rat uterus; 26 nM, human uterus), potency for inhibition of OT-stimulated contractions of the isolated rat uterus (pA2 = 8.9) and in situ rat uterus (AD50 = 0.35 mg/kg after intravenous (i.v.) administration and 7.0 mg/kg after intraduodenal administration), aqueous solubility (3.7 mg/mL at pH 5.0), and oral bioavailability in several species (35% (rat), 25% (dog), and 21% (chimpanzee) as estimated from radioreceptor determination of drug levels in plasma after oral and i.v. dosing). On the basis of these favorable properties, 7 has begun clinical testing for use as an oral and i.v. tocolytic agent. Molecular modeling alignment studies have provided support for the hypothesis that the TP camphor-sulfonamide portion of the non-peptide structures may serve as a mimetic of the important D-AA2-Ile3 dipeptide (AA = aromatic amino acid) found in many potent OT antagonists from the cyclic hexapeptide and OT analogue structural classes.

Discovery of a novel, selective, and orally bioavailable class of thrombin inhibitors incorporating aminopyridyl moieties at the P1 position.

A novel class of thrombin inhibitors incorporating aminopyridyl moieties at the P1 position has been discovered. Four of these thrombin inhibitors (13b,c,e and 14d) showed nanomolar potency (Ki 0.8-12 nM), 300-1500-fold selectivity for thrombin compared with trypsin, and good oral bioavailability (F = 40-76%) in rats or dogs. The neutral P1 was expected to increase metabolic stability and oral absorption. Identification of this novel aminopyridyl group at P1 was a key step in our search for a clinical candidate.

Bradykinin agonist activity of a novel, potent oxytocin antagonist.

From a series of potent cyclic hexapeptide oxytocin (OT) antagonists, a compound that exhibited significant bradykinin (BK) agonist activity was identified. L-366,811 (cyclo[L-proline-D-tryptophan-L-isoleucine-D-pipecolic acid-L-piperazine-2-carboxylic acid-N-Me-D-phenylalanine]) stimulated phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover in rat uterine slices in vitro (approximately EC50, 2 microM) with a maximal effect (15-fold increase over basal) greater than that obtained for either BK or OT. L-366,811 also elicited dose-related contractions of the isolated rat uterus, producing measurable effects at 100 nM. Several other equally potent OT antagonists from the cyclic hexapeptide structural class were either less potent or inactive as activators of uterine PI turnover or contractility. The stimulatory effects of L-366,811 on uterine PI turnover and contractions were blocked by BK antagonists but not by an arginine vasopressin (AVP)/OT antagonist. In radioligand binding studies, L-366,811 exhibited moderate affinity (IC50, 360 nM) for the [3H]BK binding site in rat uterus, consistent with its potency in the functional models. These results indicate that L-366,811 exhibits BK agonist activity in rat uterus in vitro.

In vitro studies on L-771,688 (SNAP 6383), a new potent and selective alpha1A-adrenoceptor antagonist.

L-771,688 (SNAP 6383, methyl(4S)-4-(3, 4-difluorophenyl)-6-[(methyloxy)methyl]-2-oxo-3-[(¿3-[4-(2-pyridin yl)-1-piperidinyl]propyl¿amino)carbonyl]-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydro-5-pyrimidine carboxylate) had high affinity (Ki less than or = 1 nM) for [3H]prazosin binding to cloned human, rat and dog alpha1A-adrenoceptors and high selectivity (>500-fold) over alpha1B and alpha1D-adrenoceptors. [3H]Prazosin / (+/-)-beta-[125I]-4-hydroxy-phenyl)-ethyl-aminomethylteralone ([125I]HEAT) binding studies in human and animal tissues known to contain alpha1A and non-alpha1A-adrenoceptors further demonstrated the potency and alpha1A-subtype selectivity of L-771,688. [3H]L-771,688 binding studies at the cloned human alpha1A-adrenoceptors and in rat tissues indicated that specific [3H]L-771,688 binding was saturable and of high affinity (Kd=43-90 pM) and represented binding to the pharmacologically relevant alpha1A-adrenoceptors. L-771,688 antagonized norepinephrine-induced inositol-phosphate responses in cloned human alpha1A-adrenoceptors, as well as phenylephrine or A-61603 (N-[5-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2yl)-2-hydroxy-5,6,7, 8-terahydro-naphthlen-1-yl] methanesulfonamide hydrobromide) induced contraction in isolated rat, dog and human prostate, human and monkey bladder neck and rat caudal artery with apparent Kb values of 0.02-0.28 nM. In contrast, the contraction of rat aorta induced by norepinephrine was resistant to L-771,688. These data indicate that L-771,688 is a highly selective alpha1A-adrenoceptor antagonist.

Radioligand binding studies reveal marked species differences in the vasopressin V1 receptor of rat, rhesus and human tissues.

The [3H]arginine-vasopressin ([3H]AVP) binding site in rat, rhesus and human liver and nonpregnant human uterus was characterized and contrasted. [3H]AVP bound with high affinity (Ki values, 0.2-0.6 nM) to preparations of all tissues studied. Competition binding studies using a series of compounds from three structural classes indicate a marked species difference between the rat and primate liver AVP-V1 site. This site in rhesus and human liver however, is essentially identical, indicating that the rhesus liver is an appropriate surrogate for human tissue. These studies also indicate that the AVP-V1 site of nonpregnant human uterus and human liver is equivalent.

Progress in the development of oxytocin antagonists for use in preterm labor.

There is currently a need for new therapeutic agents for treating preterm labor which could offer improved safety and efficacy beyond what has been achieved with the widely employed beta-mimetics. In this regard, the longstanding hypothesis of oxytocin receptor blockade as representing a potentially more selective method of tocolysis has continued to gain support from results obtained in clinical studies with the peptide oxytocin antagonist, atosiban. Our laboratory has focussed on the identification of non-peptide oxytocin antagonists with properties suitable for both oral and intravenous administration. We have previously described the development of potent, camphor-based oxytocin antagonists, including L-368,899 which entered phase I human studies. More recently we have pursued a new structural class of oxytocin antagonists based on the 1-(N-benzoylpiperidin-4-yl)-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-2(1H)-one template. L-372,662 is a new member of this structural class and in our preclinical assays possesses an attractive overall profile from the standpoint of human oxytocin receptor affinity (Ki = 4.9 nM), human oxytocin vs. vasopressin receptor selectivity (> 500-fold), potency as an antagonist of oxytocin-induced uterine contractions in late gestation pregnant rhesus monkeys (AD50 = 36 micrograms/kg), oral bioavailability (F = 90% in dogs), and aqueous solubility (10 mg/mL).

Progress in the development of oxytocin antagonists for use in preterm labor.

From a targeted screening effort and medicinal chemistry program, L-368,899 was selected as the first orally-active oxytocin (OT) antagonist to enter clinical trials. In animal studies, L-368,899 was shown to be a potent and selective OT antagonist and was orally bioavailable in rats, dogs and chimpanzees. L-368,899 was further shown to be a potent OT antagonist in pregnant rhesus and to inhibit spontaneous nocturnal uterine contractions. In Phase I human studies, L-368,899 was generally well-tolerated given intravenously and showed significant plasma levels after oral administration. In addition, L-368,899 blocked OT-stimulated uterine activity in postpartum women with a potency similar to that in the pregnant rhesus monkey. More recently, another structural series has been pursued, represented by L-371,257 [1-(1-(4-(N-acetyl-4-piperidinyloxy)-2-methoxybenzoyl)pip eridin-4-yl)- 1,2-dihydro-4(H)-3,1-benzoxazin-2-one]. L-371,257 exhibits high affinity (Ki, 4.6 nM) for human uterine OT receptors with high selectivity vs. human vasopressin receptors. In rat tissues in vitro, L-371,257 is a potent and competitive OT antagonist (pA2, 8.4) and, in vivo, blocks OT-stimulated uterine activity given both i.v. and intraduodenally. L-371,257 highlights the promise of this novel structural class.