Identification of potent, nonabsorbable agonists of the calcium-sensing receptor for GI-specific administration.

Modulation of gastrointestinal nutrient sensing pathways provides a promising a new approach for the treatment of metabolic diseases including diabetes and obesity. The calcium-sensing receptor has been identified as a key receptor involved in mineral and amino acid nutrient sensing and thus is an attractive target for modulation in the intestine. Herein we describe the optimization of gastrointestinally restricted calcium-sensing receptor agonists starting from a 3-aminopyrrolidine-containing template leading to the identification of GI-restricted agonist 19 (GSK3004774).

Exploration of phenylpropanoic acids as agonists of the free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4): Identification of an orally efficacious FFA4 agonist.

The long chain free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4/GPR120) has recently been recognized as lipid sensor playing important roles in nutrient sensing and inflammation and thus holds potential as a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. To explore the effects of stimulating this receptor in animal models of metabolic disease, we initiated work to identify agonists with appropriate pharmacokinetic properties to support progression into in vivo studies. Extensive SAR studies of a series of phenylpropanoic acids led to the identification of compound 29, a FFA4 agonist which lowers plasma glucose in two preclinical models of type 2 diabetes.

Orally bioavailable imidazoazepanes as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists: discovery of MK-2918.

In our ongoing efforts to develop CGRP receptor antagonists for the treatment of migraine, we aimed to improve upon telecagepant by targeting a compound with a lower projected clinical dose. Imidazoazepanes were identified as potent caprolactam replacements and SAR of the imidazole yielded the tertiary methyl ether as an optimal substituent for potency and hERG selectivity. Combination with the azabenzoxazinone spiropiperidine ultimately led to preclinical candidate 30 (MK-2918).

A 28-Day Toxicity Study of Tenofovir Alafenamide Hemifumarate by Subcutaneous Infusion in Rats and Dogs.

The toxicity of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) hemifumarate (HF) was evaluated when administered by continuous subcutaneous (s.c.) infusion via an external infusion pump for 28 days to rats and dogs. The toxicokinetics of TAF and two metabolites, tenofovir (TFV) and tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) were also evaluated. After administration of TAF HF in rats and dogs, primary systemic findings supported an inflammatory response that was considered minimal to mild. Gross pathology and histopathologic evaluation of tissue surrounding the s.c. infusion site revealed signs of inflammation, including edema, mass formation, fibrosis, and mononuclear cell inflammation in groups receiving ≥300 µg/kg/day in rats and ≥25 µg/day in dogs. Although these changes were observed in animals receiving vehicle, the severity was greater in animals receiving TAF HF. Changes in the local tissue were considered a TAF HF-mediated exacerbation of an inflammatory response to the presence of the catheter. In rats, systemic and local findings were considered not adverse due to their low severity and reversibility; therefore, the "no observed adverse effect level" (NOAEL) was set at 1,000 µg/kg/day. Because none of the systemic findings were related to systemic exposure to TAF, the systemic NOAEL was set at 250 µg/kg/day in dogs. Due to the severity of the observations noted, a NOAEL for local toxicity could not be established. Although these results might allow for exploration of tolerability and pharmacokinetics of s.c. administered TAF HF in humans, data suggest a local reaction may develop in humans at doses below a clinically relevant dose. IMPORTANCE Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to be a serious global human health issue, with ∼38 million people living with HIV worldwide at the end of 2019. HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has introduced the use of antiretroviral therapies as another helpful tool for slowing the spread of HIV worldwide. One possible solution to the problem of inconsistent access and poor adherence to HIV PrEP therapies is the development of subcutaneous (s.c.) depots or s.c. implantable devices that continuously administer protective levels of an HIV PrEP therapy for weeks, months, or even years at a time. We evaluate here the toxicity of tenofovir alafenamide, a potent inhibitor or HIV replication, after continuous s.c. infusion in rats and dogs for HIV PrEP.

Tenofovir Alafenamide for HIV Prevention: Review of the Proceedings from the Gates Foundation Long-Acting TAF Product Development Meeting.

The ability to successfully develop a safe and effective vaccine for the prevention of HIV infection has proven challenging. Consequently, alternative approaches to HIV infection prevention have been pursued, and there have been a number of successes with differing levels of efficacy. At present, only two oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) products are available, Truvada and Descovy. Descovy is a newer product not yet indicated in individuals at risk of HIV-1 infection from receptive vaginal sex, because it still needs to be evaluated in this population. A topical dapivirine vaginal ring is currently under regulatory review, and a long-acting (LA) injectable cabotegravir product shows strong promise. Although demonstrably effective, daily oral PrEP presents adherence challenges for many users, particularly adolescent girls and young women, key target populations. This limitation has triggered development efforts in LA HIV prevention options. This article reviews efforts supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as similar work by other groups, to identify and develop optimal LA HIV prevention products. Specifically, this article is a summary review of a meeting convened by the foundation in early 2020 that focused on the development of LA products designed for extended delivery of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) for HIV prevention. The review broadly serves as technical guidance for preclinical development of LA HIV prevention products. The meeting examined the technical feasibility of multiple delivery technologies, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and safety of subcutaneous (SC) delivery of TAF in animal models. Ultimately, the foundation concluded that there are technologies available for long-term delivery of TAF. However, because of potentially limited efficacy and possible toxicity issues with SC delivery, the foundation will not continue investing in the development of LA, SC delivery of TAF products for HIV prevention.

Novel CGRP receptor antagonists from central amide replacements causing a reversal of preferred chirality.

A previously utilized quinoline-for-N-phenylamide replacement strategy was employed against a central amide in a novel class of CGRP receptor antagonists. A unique and unexpected substitution pattern was ultimately required to maintain reasonable affinity for the CGRP receptor, while at the same time predicting acceptable heterocycle positioning for related analogs. Subsequently, specific quinoline and naphthyridine compounds were prepared which supported these structural predictions by displaying CGRP binding affinities in the 0.037-0.15 nM range.

Identification of potent, highly constrained CGRP receptor antagonists.

A novel series of potent CGRP receptor antagonists containing a central quinoline ring constraint was identified. The combination of the quinoline constraint with a tricyclic benzimidazolinone left hand fragment produced an analog with picomolar potency (14, CGRP K(i)=23 pM). Further optimization of the tricycle produced a CGRP receptor antagonist that exhibited subnanomolar potency (19, CGRP K(i)=0.52 nM) and displayed a good pharmacokinetic profile in three preclinical species.

Engineering of a Potent, Long-Acting NPY2R Agonist for Combination with a GLP-1R Agonist as a Multi-Hormonal Treatment for Obesity.

Bariatric surgery results in increased intestinal secretion of hormones GLP-1 and anorexigenic PYY, which is believed to contribute to the clinical efficacy associated with the procedure. This observation raises the question whether combination treatment with gut hormone analogs might recapitulate the efficacy and mitigate the significant risks associated with surgery. Despite PYY demonstrating excellent efficacy and safety profiles with regard to food intake reduction, weight loss, and glucose control in preclinical animal models, PYY-based therapeutic development remains challenging given a low serum stability and half-life for the native peptide. Here, combined peptide stapling and PEG-fatty acid conjugation affords potent PYY analogs with >14 h rat half-lives, which are expected to translate into a human half-life suitable for once-weekly dosing. Excellent efficacy in glucose control, food intake reduction, and weight loss for lead candidate 22 in combination with our previously reported long-acting GLP-1 analog is demonstrated in a diet-induced obesity mouse model.

Optimization of azepanone calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists: development of novel spiropiperidines.

Several novel spiropiperidine-based CGRP receptor antagonists have been developed that maintain good potency and have reduced potential for metabolism.

Novel CGRP receptor antagonists through a design strategy of target simplification with addition of molecular flexibility.

A novel class of CGRP receptor antagonists was rationally designed by modifying a highly potent, but structurally complex, CGRP receptor antagonist. Initial modifications focused on simplified structures, with increased flexibility. Subsequent to the preparation of a less-potent but more flexible lead, classic medicinal chemistry methods were applied to restore high affinity (compound 22, CGRP Ki=0.035 nM) while maintaining structural diversity relative to the lead. Good selectivity against the closely related adrenomedullin-2 receptor was also achieved.

The identification of potent, orally bioavailable tricyclic CGRP receptor antagonists.

A series of tricyclic CGRP receptor antagonists was optimized in order to improve oral bioavailability. Attenuation of polar surface area and incorporation of a weakly basic indoline nitrogen led to compound 5, a potent antagonist with good oral bioavailability in three species.

Mechanisms of idiosyncratic drug reactions: the case of felbamate.

Idiosyncratic drug reactions (IDR) are a specific type of drug toxicity characterized by their delayed onset, low incidence and reactive metabolite formation with little, if any, correlation between pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics and the toxicological outcome. As the name implies, IDR are unpredictable and often result in the post marketing failure of otherwise useful therapies. Examples of drugs, which have failed as a result of IDR in recent years, include trovafloxacin, zileuton, troglitazone, tolcapone and felbamate. To date there exists no pre-clinical model to predict these adverse drug reactions and a mechanistic understanding of these toxicities remains limited. In an attempt to better understand this class of drug toxicities and gain mechanistic insight, we have studied the IDR associated with a model compound, felbamate. Our studies with felbamate are consistent with the theory that compounds which cause IDR undergo bioactivation to a highly reactive electrophilic metabolite that is capable of forming covalent protein adducts in vivo. In additon, our data suggest that under normal physiological conditions glutathione plays a protective role in preventing IDR during felbamate therapy, further emphasizing a correlation between reactive metabolite formation and a toxic outcome. Clinical studies with felbamate have been able to demonstrate an association between reactive metabolite formation and a clinically relevant toxicity; however, additional research is required to more fully understand the link between reactive metabolite formation and the events which elicit toxicity. Going forward, it seems reasonable that screening for reactive metabolite formation in early drug discovery may be an important tool in eliminating the post-marketing failure of otherwise useful therapies.

Discovery of a highly potent, nonabsorbable apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter inhibitor (GSK2330672) for treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) transports bile salts from the lumen of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to the liver via the portal vein. Multiple pharmaceutical companies have exploited the physiological link between ASBT and hepatic cholesterol metabolism, which led to the clinical investigation of ASBT inhibitors as lipid-lowering agents. While modest lipid effects were demonstrated, the potential utility of ASBT inhibitors for treatment of type 2 diabetes has been relatively unexplored. We initiated a lead optimization effort that focused on the identification of a potent, nonabsorbable ASBT inhibitor starting from the first-generation inhibitor 264W94 (1). Extensive SAR studies culminated in the discovery of GSK2330672 (56) as a highly potent, nonabsorbable ASBT inhibitor which lowers glucose in an animal model of type 2 diabetes and shows excellent developability properties for evaluating the potential therapeutic utility of a nonabsorbable ASBT inhibitor for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Discovery of 6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,3-a]pyrimidines as orally available G protein-coupled receptor 119 agonists.

GPR119 is a 7-transmembrane receptor that is expressed in the enteroendocrine cells in the intestine and in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Indolines and 6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,3-a]pyrimidines were discovered as G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) agonists, and lead optimization efforts led to the identification of 1-methylethyl 4-({7-[2-fluoro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl}oxy)-1-piperidinecarboxylate (GSK1104252A) (3), a potent and selective GPR119 agonist. Compound 3 showed excellent pharmacokinetic properties and sufficient selectivity with in vivo studies supporting a role for GPR119 in glucose homeostasis in the rodent. Thus, 3 appeared to modulate the enteroinsular axis, improve glycemic control, and strengthen previous suggestions that GPR119 agonists may have utility in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Synthesis and SAR of Benzisothiazole- and Indolizine-ß-d-glucopyranoside Inhibitors of SGLT2.

A series of benzisothiazole- and indolizine-ß-d-glucopyranoside inhibitors of human SGLT2 are described. The synthesis of the C-linked heterocyclic glucosides took advantage of a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between a glucal boronate and the corresponding bromo heterocycle. The compounds have been evaluated for their human SGLT2 inhibition potential using cell-based functional transporter assays, and their structure-activity relationships have been described. Benzisothiazole-C-glucoside 16d was found to be an inhibitor of SGLT2 with an IC50 of 10 nM.

Discovery of MK-3207: A Highly Potent, Orally Bioavailable CGRP Receptor Antagonist.

Incorporation of polar functionality into a series of highly potent calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists was explored in an effort to improve pharmacokinetics. This strategy identified piperazinone analogues that possessed improved solubility at acidic pH and increased oral bioavailability in monkeys. Further optimization led to the discovery of the clinical candidate 2-[(8R)-8-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-10-oxo-6,9-diazaspiro[4.5]dec-9-yl]-N-[(2R)-2'-oxo-1,1',2',3-tetrahydrospiro[indene-2,3'-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin]-5-yl]acetamide (MK-3207) (4), the most potent orally active CGRP receptor antagonist described to date.

Discovery of the dual orexin receptor antagonist [(7R)-4-(5-chloro-1,3-benzoxazol-2-yl)-7-methyl-1,4-diazepan-1-yl][5-methyl-2-(2H-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)phenyl]methanone (MK-4305) for the treatment of insomnia.

Despite increased understanding of the biological basis for sleep control in the brain, few novel mechanisms for the treatment of insomnia have been identified in recent years. One notable exception is inhibition of the excitatory neuropeptides orexins A and B by design of orexin receptor antagonists. Herein, we describe how efforts to understand the origin of poor oral pharmacokinetics in a leading HTS-derived diazepane orexin receptor antagonist led to the identification of compound 10 with a 7-methyl substitution on the diazepane core. Though 10 displayed good potency, improved pharmacokinetics, and excellent in vivo efficacy, it formed reactive metabolites in microsomal incubations. A mechanistic hypothesis coupled with an in vitro assay to assess bioactivation led to replacement of the fluoroquinazoline ring of 10 with a chlorobenzoxazole to provide 3 (MK-4305), a potent dual orexin receptor antagonist that is currently being tested in phase III clinical trials for the treatment of primary insomnia.

Interaction between human serum albumin and the felbamate metabolites 4-Hydroxy-5-phenyl-[1,3]oxazinan-2-one and 2-phenylpropenal.

Felbamate is an anti-epileptic drug associated with hepatotoxicity and aplastic anemia. These toxicities are believed to be mediated by the formation of the reactive species 2-phenylpropenal. 4-Hydroxy-5-phenyl-[1,3]oxazinan-2-one is a metabolic precursor for 2-phenylpropenal. 4-Hydroxy-5-phenyl-[1,3]oxazinan-2-one exists in equilibrium with 3-oxo-2-phenylpropyl carbamate, which can undergo beta-elimination to form 2-phenylpropenal. The work presented here investigates the interaction between 4-hydroxy-5-phenyl-[1,3]oxazinan-2-one and human serum albumin (HSA). HSA (40 mg/mL) was found to decrease the half-life of 4-hydroxy-5-phenyl-[1,3]oxazinan-2-one from 4.57 +/- 0.44 h to 1.07 +/- 0.10 h at pH 7.4. This decrease in the half-life of 4-hydroxy-5-phenyl-[1,3]oxazinan-2-one was due to increased beta-elimination of 3-oxo-2-phenylpropyl carbamate, presumably through HSA-mediated general base catalysis. The k(cat) for HSA-catalyzed decomposition of 4-hydroxy-5-phenyl-[1,3]oxazinan-2-one was determined to be 12.04 min(-)(1) M(-)(1). Competitive binding assays using warfarin and ibuprofen showed that HSA-catalyzed decomposition of 4-hydroxy-5-phenyl-[1,3]oxazinan-2-one is dependent on the subdomain IIA binding site of HSA. LC/MS/MS analyses of trypsin digests of HSA incubations with either 4-hydroxy-5-phenyl-[1,3]oxazinan-2-one or 2-phenylpropenal identified HSA-2-phenylpropenal adducts formed specifically at residues His-242 and His-247. These HSA-2-phenylpropenal adducts were found to be slowly reversible, with a decrease in alkylation of 74.0 +/- 0.6% after extensive dialysis. Interestingly, only the bis-adduct (His-242 and His-247) could be identified after dialysis. These results demonstrate the first direct example of 2-phenylpropenal conjugation to a human protein in vitro and suggest the possibility that HSA may be involved in the development of felbamate toxicity either by antigen formation or as a route of detoxification of 2-phenylpropenal.

A novel class of achiral seco-analogs of CC-1065 and the duocarmycins: design, synthesis, DNA binding, and anticancer properties.

The synthesis, DNA binding properties, and in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of fifteen achiral seco-cyclopropylindoline (or achiral seco-CI) analogs (5a-o) of CC-1065 and the duocarmycins are described. The achiral seco-CI analogs contain a 4-hydroxyphenethyl halide moiety that is attached to a wide range of indole, benzimidazole, pyrrole, and pyridyl-containing noncovalent binding components. The 4-hydroxyphenethyl halide moiety represents the simplest mimic of the seco-cyclopropylpyrroloindoline (seco-CPI) pharmacophore found in the natural products, and it lacks a chiral center. The sequence and minor groove specificity of the achiral compounds was ascertained using a Taq DNA polymerase stop assay and a thermal induced DNA cleavage experiment using either a fragment of pBR322 or pUC18 plasmid DNA. For example, seco-CI-InBf (5a) and seco-CI-TMI (5c) demonstrated specificity for AT-rich sequences, particularly by reacting with the underlined adenine-N3 position of 5'-AAAAA(865)-3'. This is also the sequence that CC-1065 and adozelesin prefer to alkylate. The achiral seco-CI compounds were subjected to cytotoxicity studies against several human (K562, LS174T, PC3, and MCF-7) and murine cancer cell lines (L1210 and P815). Following continuous drug exposure, the achiral compounds were found to be cytotoxic, with IC(50) values in the muM range. Interestingly, the carbamate protected compound 5p was significantly less cytotoxic than agent 5c, supporting the hypothesis that loss of HCl and formation of a spiro[2,5]cyclopropylcyclohexadienone intermediate is necessary for biological activity. The achiral seco-CI compounds 5a and 5c were submitted to the National Cancer Institute for further cytotoxicity screening against a panel of 60 different human cancer cell lines. Both compounds showed significant activity, particularly against several solid tumor cell lines. Flow cytometry studies of P815 cells that were incubated with compound 5c at its IC(50) concentration for 24h showed induction of apoptosis in a large percentage of cells. Compounds 5a and 5c were selected by the NCI for an in vivo anticancer hollow-fiber test, and received composite scores of 18 and 22, respectively. These two compounds were subsequently evaluated for in vivo anticancer activity against the growth of a human advanced stage SC UACC-257 melanoma in skid mice. At a dose of 134 mg/kg administered IP, compound 5c gave a T/C value of 40% (for day 51), and the median number of days of doubling tumor growth was 27.7, versus 15.8 for untreated animals. For compound 5a, at 200mg/kg, the T/C was 58% and the median number of days of doubling tumor growth was 20.0 versus 8.7 for untreated animals. At these doses no toxicity or weight loss was observed for either compound. Furthermore, compound 5c was not toxic to murine bone marrow cell growth in culture, at a dose that was toxic for the previously reported seco-CBI (cyclopropylbenzoindoline)-TMI (4).