Minimization of drug-drug interaction risk and candidate selection in a natural product-based class of gamma-secretase modulators.

Early lead compounds in this gamma secretase modulator series were found to potently inhibit CYP3A4 and other human CYP isoforms increasing their risk of causing drug-drug-interactions (DDIs). Using structure-activity relationships and CYP3A4 structural information, analogs were developed that minimized this DDI potential. Three of these new analogs were further characterized by rat PK, rat PK/PD and rat exploratory toxicity studies resulting in selection of SPI-1865 (14) as a preclinical development candidate.

Purine derivatives as potent gamma-secretase modulators.

The development of a novel series of purines as gamma-secretase modulators for potential use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is disclosed herein. Optimization of a previously disclosed pyrimidine series afforded a series of potent purine-based gamma-secretase modulators with 300- to 2000-fold in vitro selectivity over inhibition of Notch cleavage and that selectively reduces Alphabeta42 in an APP-YAC transgenic mouse model.

Amino acid derivatives as histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Ongoing clinical studies indicate that inhibitors of Class I and Class II histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes show great promise for the treatment of cancer. Zolinza (SAHA, Zolinza) was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of the cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. As a part of an ongoing effort to identify novel small molecules to target these important enzymes, we have prepared several classes of amino acid-derived HDAC1 inhibitors. The design rationale and in vitro activity against the HDAC1 enzyme and HCT116 cell line are described in this letter.

Efficacy of SPI-1865, a novel gamma-secretase modulator, in multiple rodent models.

INTRODUCTION: Modulation of the gamma-secretase enzyme, which reduces the production of the amyloidogenic Aß42 peptide while sparing the production of other Aß species, is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Satori has identified a unique class of small molecule gamma-secretase modulators (GSMs) capable of decreasing Aß42 levels in cellular and rodent model systems. The compound class exhibits potency in the nM range in vitro and is selective for lowering Aß42 and Aß38 while sparing Aß40 and total Aß levels. In vivo, a compound from the series, SPI-1865, demonstrates similar pharmacology in wild-type CD1 mice, Tg2576 mice and Sprague Dawley rats. METHODS: Animals were orally administered either a single dose of SPI-1865 or dosed for multiple days. Aß levels were measured using a sensitive plate-based ELISA system (MSD) and brain and plasma exposure of drug were assessed by LC/MS/MS. RESULTS: In wild-type mice using either dosing regimen, brain Aß42 and Aß38 levels were decreased upon treatment with SPI-1865 and little to no statistically meaningful effect on Aß40 was observed, reflecting the changes observed in vitro. In rats, brain Aß levels were examined and similar to the mouse studies, brain Aß42 and Aß38 were lowered. Comparable changes were also observed in the Tg2576 mice, where Aß levels were measured in brain as well as plasma and CSF. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these data indicate that SPI-1865 is orally bioavailable, brain penetrant, and effective at lowering Aß42 in a dose responsive manner. With this unique profile, the class of compounds represented by SPI-1865 may be a promising new therapy for Alzheimer's disease.

Modulation of gamma-secretase for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The Amyloid Hypothesis states that the cascade of events associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD)-formation of amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic loss, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline-are triggered by Aß peptide dysregulation (Kakuda et al., 2006, Sato et al., 2003, Qi-Takahara et al., 2005). Since γ-secretase is critical for Aß production, many in the biopharmaceutical community focused on γ-secretase as a target for therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease. However, pharmacological approaches to control γ-secretase activity are challenging because the enzyme has multiple, physiologically critical protein substrates. To lower amyloidogenic Aß peptides without affecting other γ-secretase substrates, the epsilon (ε) cleavage that is essential for the activity of many substrates must be preserved. Small molecule modulators of γ-secretase activity have been discovered that spare the ε cleavage of APP and other substrates while decreasing the production of Aß(42). Multiple chemical classes of γ-secretase modulators have been identified which differ in the pattern of Aß peptides produced. Ideally, modulators will allow the ε cleavage of all substrates while shifting APP cleavage from Aß(42) and other highly amyloidogenic Aß peptides to shorter and less neurotoxic forms of the peptides without altering the total Aß pool. Here, we compare chemically distinct modulators for effects on APP processing and in vivo activity.

Initial Optimization of a New Series of γ-Secretase Modulators Derived from a Triterpene Glycoside.

The discovery of a new series of γ-secretase modulators is disclosed. Starting from a triterpene glycoside γ-secretase modulator that gave a very low brain-to-plasma ratio, initial SAR and optimization involved replacement of a pendant sugar with a series of morpholines. This modification led to two compounds with significantly improved central nervous system (CNS) exposure.

Optimization of a natural product-based class of γ-secretase modulators.

A series of triterpene-based γ-secretase modulators is optimized. An acetate present at the C24 position of the natural product was replaced with either carbamates or ethers to provide compounds with better metabolic stability. With one of those pharmacophores in place at C24, morpholines or carbamates were installed at the C3 position to refine the physicochemical properties of the analogues. This strategy gave compounds with low clearance and good distribution into the central nervous system (CNS) of CD-1 mice. Two of these compounds, 100 and 120, were tested for a pharmacodynamic effect in the strain and lowered brain Aß42 levels.

A second-generation synthesis of the C1-C28 portion of the altohyrtins (spongistatins).

A practical second-generation synthesis of an advanced intermediate in our total synthesis of altohyrtin C (spongistatin 2) has been developed. A new approach to the C1-C15 (AB) portion features a vinyllithium addition to an aldehyde followed by a palladium-catalyzed allylic reduction to install the troublesome C13-C15 segment. Our general approach to the C16-C28 (CD) spiroketal has been retained, but some improvements have been made. Most notably, the kinetically controlled CD-spiroketalization reaction now proceeds in high yield with excellent diastereoselection. This new strategy uses the anti-aldol coupling used in our first-generation synthesis to join AB and CD fragments. A total of 9.6 g of intermediate 57 has been produced using this improved route.

Ni(II) bis(oxazoline)-catalyzed enantioselective syn aldol reactions of N-propionylthiazolidinethiones in the presence of silyl triflates.

An enantioselective aldol reaction of N-propionylthiazolidinethione and representative aldehydes is disclosed. The reaction is catalyzed by [Ni(S,S)-t-BuBox](Otf)2. Enolization is effected by 2,6-lutidine, and TMSOTf facilitates catalyst turnover. Syn diastereoselectivities range from 88:12 to 97:3, and enantioselectivities are 90% or greater. Both aromatic and enolizable aliphatic aldehydes are included within the scope of this aldol addition process.

Multigram synthesis of the C29-C51 subunit and completion of the total synthesis of altohyrtin C (spongistatin 2).

A multigram synthesis of the C29-C51 subunit of altohyrtin C (spongistatin 2) has been accomplished. Union of this intermediate with the C1-C28 fragment and further elaboration furnished the natural product. Completion of the C29-C51 subunit began with the aldol coupling of the boron enolate derived from methyl ketone 8 and aldehyde 9. Acid-catalyzed deprotection/cyclization of the resulting diastereomeric mixture of addition products was conducted in a single operation to afford the E-ring of altohyrtin C. The diastereomer obtained through cyclization of the unwanted aldol product was subjected to an oxidation/reduction sequence to rectify the C35 stereocenter. The C45-C48 segment of the eventual triene side chain was introduced by addition of a functionalized Grignard reagent derived from (R)-glycidol to a C44 aldehyde. Palladium-mediated deoxygenation of the resulting allylic alcohol was followed by adjustment of protecting groups to provide reactivity suitable for the later stages of the synthesis. The diene functionality comprising the remainder of the C44-C51 side chain was constructed by addition of an allylzinc reagent to the unmasked C48 aldehyde and subsequent dehydration of the resulting alcohol. Completion of the synthesis of the C29-C51 subunit was achieved through conversion of the protected C29 alcohol into a primary iodide. The synthesis of the C29-C51 iodide required 44 steps with a longest linear sequence of 33 steps. From commercially available tri-O-acetyl-d-glucal, the overall yield was 6.8%, and 2 g of the iodide was prepared. The C29-C51 primary iodide was amenable to phosphonium salt formation, and the ensuing Wittig coupling with a C1-C28 intermediate provided a fully functionalized, protected seco-acid. Selective deprotection of the required silicon groups afforded an intermediate appropriate for macrolactonization, and, finally, global deprotection furnished altohyrtin C (spongistatin 2). This synthetic approach required 113 steps with a longest linear sequence of 37 steps starting from either tri-O-acetyl-d-glucal or (S)-malic acid.