RESUMO
In an attempt to increase selectivity vs Cathepsin D (CatD) in our BACE1 program, a series of 1,3,4,4a,10,10a-hexahydropyrano[4,3-b]chromene analogues was developed. Three different Asp-binding moieties were examined: spirocyclic acyl guanidines, aminooxazolines, and aminothiazolines in order to modulate potency, selectivity, efflux, and permeability. Using structure-based design, substitutions to improve binding to both the S3 and S2' sites of BACE1 were explored. An acyl guanidine moiety provided the most potent analogues. These compounds demonstrated 10-420 fold selectivity for BACE1 vs CatD, and were highly potent in a cell assay measuring Aß1-40 production (5-99 nM). They also suffered from high efflux. Despite this undesirable property, two of the acyl guanidines achieved free brain concentrations (Cfree,brain) in a guinea pig PD model sufficient to cover their cell IC50s. Moreover, a significant reduction of Aß1-40 in guinea pig, rat, and cyno CSF (58%, 53%, and 63%, respectively) was observed for compound 62.
Assuntos
Secretases da Proteína Precursora do Amiloide/antagonistas & inibidores , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Ácido Aspártico Endopeptidases/antagonistas & inibidores , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Cromanos/síntese química , Piranos/síntese química , Compostos de Espiro/síntese química , Animais , Células CHO , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Cromanos/farmacocinética , Cromanos/farmacologia , Cricetinae , Cricetulus , Cristalografia por Raios X , Cobaias , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Macaca fascicularis , Masculino , Camundongos , Modelos Moleculares , Piranos/farmacocinética , Piranos/farmacologia , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Compostos de Espiro/farmacocinética , Compostos de Espiro/farmacologia , Estereoisomerismo , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
A hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is the brain deposition of amyloid beta (Aß), a peptide of 36-43 amino acids that is likely a primary driver of neurodegeneration. Aß is produced by the sequential cleavage of APP by BACE1 and γ-secretase; therefore, inhibition of BACE1 represents an attractive therapeutic target to slow or prevent Alzheimer's disease. Herein we describe BACE1 inhibitors with limited molecular flexibility and molecular weight that decrease CSF Aß in vivo, despite efflux. Starting with spirocycle 1a, we explore structure-activity relationships of core changes, P3 moieties, and Asp binding functional groups in order to optimize BACE1 affinity, cathepsin D selectivity, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Using wild type guinea pig and rat, we demonstrate a PK/PD relationship between free drug concentrations in the brain and CSF Aß lowering. Optimization of brain exposure led to the discovery of (R)-50 which reduced CSF Aß in rodents and in monkey.