The effect of fatty diacid acylation of human PYY3-36 on Y2 receptor potency and half-life in minipigs.

Peptides are notoriously known to display very short in vivo half-lives often measured in minutes which in many cases greatly reduces or eliminates sufficient in vivo efficacy. To obtain long half-lives allowing for up to once-weekly dosing regimen, fatty acid acylation (lipidation) have been used to non-covalently associate the peptide to serum albumin thus serving as a circulating depot. This approach is generally considered in the scientific and patent community as a standard approach to protract almost any given peptide. However, it is not trivial to prolong the half-life of peptides by lipidation and still maintain high potency and good formulation properties. Here we show that attaching a fatty acid to the obesity-drug relevant peptide PYY3-36 is not sufficient for long pharmacokinetics (PK), since the position in the backbone, but also type of fatty acid and linker strongly influences PK and potency. Furthermore, understanding the proteolytic stability of the backbone is key to obtain long half-lives by lipidation, since backbone cleavage still occurs while associated to albumin. Having identified a PYY analogue with a sufficient half-life, we show that in combination with a GLP-1 analogue, liraglutide, additional weight loss can be achieved in the obese minipig model.

Identification and synthesis of a novel selective partial PPARdelta agonist with full efficacy on lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo.

The aim was to identify a novel selective PPARdelta agonist with full efficacy on free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation in vitro and plasma lipid correction in vivo. Using the triple PPARalpha,gamma,delta agonist 1 as the structural starting point, we wanted to investigate the possibility of obtaining selective PPARdelta agonists by modifying only the acidic part of 1, while holding the lipophilic half of the molecule constant. The structure-activity relationship was guided by in vitro transactivation data using the human PPAR receptors, FFA oxidation efficacy performed in the rat muscle L6 cell line, and in vivo rat pharmacokinetic properties. Compound 7 ([4-[3,3-bis-(4-bromo-phenyl)-allylthio]-2-chloro-phenoxy]-acetic acid) was identified as a selective, partial agonist with good oral pharmacokinetic properties in rat. Chronic treatment of high fat fed ApoB100/CETP-Tgn mice with 7 corrected the plasma lipid parameters and improved insulin sensitivity. These data suggest that selective PPARdelta agonists have the potential to become a novel treatment of dyslipidemia.

New beta-alanine derivatives are orally available glucagon receptor antagonists.

A weak human glucagon receptor antagonist with an IC50 of 7 microM was initially found by screening of libraries originally targeted to mimic the binding of the glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) hormone to its receptor. Optimization of this hit for binding affinity for the glucagon receptor led to ligands with affinity in the nanomolar range. In addition to receptor binding, optimization efforts were made to stabilize the molecules against fast metabolic turnover. A potent antagonist of the human human glucagon receptor was obtained that had 17% oral availability in rats with a plasma half-life of 90 min. The major metabolites of this lead were identified and used to further optimize this series with respect to pharmacokinetic properties. This final optimization led to a potent glucagon antagonist that was orally available in rats and dogs and was efficacious in lowering blood glucose levels in a diabetic animal model.

New 3-alkylamino-4H-thieno-1,2,4-thiadiazine 1,1-dioxide derivatives activate ATP-sensitive potassium channels of pancreatic beta cells.

Compound 1a (NN414) is a potent opener of Kir6.2/SUR1 K(ATP) channels. Compound 1a inhibits insulin release in vitro and in vivo and preserves beta cell function in preclinical animal models suggesting that such a compound could find use in treatment or prevention of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The crystal structure and a convergent synthesis of 1a are presented together with a range of new analogues of 1a. Several compounds, e.g., 6-chloro-3-(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)amino-4H-thieno[3,2-e]-1,2,4-thiadiazine 1,1-dioxide (1h), were found to be potent openers of Kir6.2/SUR1 K(ATP) channels and were able to suppress glucose-stimulated insulin release from rat islets in vitro (EC(50) = 0.04 +/- 0.01 muM) and in vivo after intravenous or peroral administration to hyperinsulinemic obese Zucker rats (ED(50) = 4.0 mg/kg). Structural modifications of this series of K(ATP) channel openers have provided compounds with promising pharmacokinetic properties indicating that brief periods of beta cell rest can be achieved.

6-Chloro-3-alkylamino-4H-thieno[3,2-e]-1,2,4-thiadiazine 1,1-dioxide derivatives potently and selectively activate ATP sensitive potassium channels of pancreatic beta-cells.

6-Chloro-3-alkylamino-4H-thieno[3,2-e]-1,2,4-thiadiazine 1,1-dioxide derivatives were synthesized and characterized as activators of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels in the beta-cells by measuring effects on membrane potential and insulin release in vitro. The effects on vascular tissue in vitro were measured on rat aorta and small mesenteric vessels. Selected compounds were characterized as competitive inhibitors of [(3)H]glibenclamide binding to membranes of HEK293 cells expressing human SUR1/Kir6.2 and as potent inhibitors of insulin release in isolated rat islets. 6-Chloro-3-(1-methylcyclobutyl)amino-4H-thieno[3,2-e]-1,2,4-thiadiazine 1,1-dioxide (54) was found to bind and activate the SUR1/Kir6.2 K(ATP) channels in the low nanomolar range and to be at least 1000 times more potent than the reference compound diazoxide with respect to inhibition of insulin release from rat islets. Several compounds, e.g., 3-propylamino- (30), 3-isopropylamino- (34), 3-(S)-sec-butylamino- (37), and 3-(1-methylcyclopropyl)amino-4H-thieno[3,2-e]-1,2,4-thiadiazine 1,1-dioxide (53), which were found to be potent and beta-cell selective activators of K(ATP) channels in vitro, were found to inhibit insulin secretion in rats with minimal effects on blood pressure and to exhibit good oral pharmacokinetic properties.

Large dimeric ligands with favorable pharmacokinetic properties and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist activity in vitro and in vivo.

Two potent nonselective, but PPARalpha-preferring, PPAR agonists 5 and 6 were designed and synthesized in high yields. The concept of dimeric ligands in transcription factors was investigated by synthesizing and testing the corresponding dimers 7, 8a, and 8b in PPAR transactivation assays. The three dimeric ligands all showed agonist activity on all three PPAR receptor subtypes, but with different profiles compared to the monomers 5 and 6. Despite breaking all the "rule of five" criteria, the dimers had excellent oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties, resulting in good in vivo efficacy in db/db mice. X-ray crystal structure and modeling experiments suggested that the dimers interacted with the AF-2 helix as well as with amino acid residues in the lipophilic pocket close to the receptor surface.

Novel tricyclic-alpha-alkyloxyphenylpropionic acids: dual PPARalpha/gamma agonists with hypolipidemic and antidiabetic activity.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of tricyclic alpha-ethoxy-phenylpropionic acid derivatives guided by in vitro PPARalpha and PPARgamma transactivation data and computer modeling led to the identification of the novel carbazole analogue, 3q, with dual PPARalpha (EC(50) = 0.36 microM) and PPARgamma (EC(50) = 0.17 microM) activity in vitro. Ten days treatment of db/db mice with 3q improved the insulin sensitivity, as measured by OGTT, better than that seen with both pioglitazone and rosiglitazone treatment, suggesting in vivo PPARgamma activity. Likewise, 3q lowered plasma triglycerides and cholesterol in high cholesterol fed rats after 4 days treatment, indicating in vivo PPARalpha activity. Investigations of the pharmacokinetics of selected compounds suggested that extended drug exposure improved the in vivo activity of in vitro active compounds.

Optimization of alkylidene hydrazide based human glucagon receptor antagonists. Discovery of the highly potent and orally available 3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid [1-(2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzyl)-1H-indol-4-ylmethylene]hydrazide.

Highly potent human glucagon receptor (hGluR) antagonists have been prepared employing both medicinal chemistry and targeted libraries based on modification of the core (proximal) dimethoxyphenyl group, the benzyl ether linkage, as well as the (distal) benzylic aryl group of the lead 2, 3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-dimethoxy-4-isopropylbenzyloxybenzylidene)hydrazide. Electron-rich proximal aryl moieties such as mono- and dimethoxy benzenes, naphthalenes, and indoles were found to be active. The SAR was found to be quite insensitive regarding the linkage to the distal aryl group, since long and short as well as polar and apolar linkers gave highly potent compounds. The presence of a distal aryl group was not crucial for obtaining high binding affinity to the hGluR. In many cases, however, the affinity could be further optimized with substituted distal aryl groups. Representative compounds have been tested for in vitro metabolism, and structure-metabolism relationships are described. These efforts lead to the discovery of 74, NNC 25-2504, 3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid [1-(2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzyl)-1H-indol-4-ylmethylene]hydrazide, with low in vitro metabolic turnover. 74 was a highly potent noncompetitive antagonist of the human glucagon receptor (IC(50) = 2.3 nM, K(B) = 760 pM) and of the isolated rat receptor (IC(50) = 430 pM, K(B) = 380 pM). Glucagon-stimulated glucose production from isolated primary rat hepatocytes was inhibited competitively by 74 (K(i) = 14 nM). This compound was orally available in dogs (F(po) = 15%) and was active in a glucagon-challenged rat model of hyperglucagonemia and hyperglycemia.

On-line turbulent-flow chromatography-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for fast sample preparation and quantitation.

A sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method has been developed for the simultaneous identification and quantitation of drug substances and metabolites in rat plasma. The method combines on-line turbulent-flow chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. This combination is considered to be a new approach suitable for fast bio-analysis in drug discovery. Dextromethorphan, and its two metabolites, dextrorphan and 3-methoxymorphinan served as model substances. The analytes present in plasma were collected on a Cyclone column using turbulent-flow chromatography and were subsequently transferred on-line to and focused on an X-Terra MS C8 column. The analytes were eluted by a linear gradient and detected by a fast scanning mass spectrometer. The detector response was quadratic and the dynamic range was estimated to be 0.5-100 ng/ml plasma or 12.5 pg to 2.50 ng injected into the system.

Human glucagon receptor antagonists with thiazole cores. A novel series with superior pharmacokinetic properties.

The aim of the work presented here was to design and synthesize potent human glucagon receptor antagonists with improved pharmacokinetic (PK) properties for development of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We describe the preparation of compounds with cyclic cores (5-aminothiazoles), their binding affinities for the human glucagon and GIP receptors, as well as affinities for rat, mouse, pig, dog, and monkey glucagon receptors. Generally, the compounds had slightly less glucagon receptor affinity compared to compounds of the previous series, but this was compensated for by much improved PK profiles in both rats and dogs with high oral bioavailabilities and sustained high plasma exposures. The compounds generally showed species selectivity for glucagon receptor binding with poor affinities for the rat, mouse, rabbit, and pig receptors. However, dog and monkey glucagon receptor affinities seem to reflect the human situation. One compound of this series, 18, was tested intravenously in an anesthetized glucagon-challenged monkey model of hyperglucagonaemia and hyperglycaemia and was shown dose-dependently to decrease glycaemia. Further, high plasma exposures and a long plasma half-life (5.2 h) were obtained.

Design and synthesis of novel PPARalpha/gamma/delta triple activators using a known PPARalpha/gamma dual activator as structural template.

Using a known dual PPARalpha/gamma activator (5) as a structural template, SAR evaluations led to the identification of triple PPARalpha/gamma/delta activators (18-20) with equal potency and efficacy on all three receptors. These compounds could become useful tools for studying the combined biological effects of PPARalpha/gamma/delta activation.