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.

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 Aβ42 peptide while sparing the production of other Aβ 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 Aβ42 levels in cellular and rodent model systems. The compound class exhibits potency in the nM range in vitro and is selective for lowering Aβ42 and Aβ38 while sparing Aβ40 and total Aβ levels.

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 Aβ peptide dysregulation (Kakuda et al., 2006, Sato et al., 2003, Qi-Takahara et al.

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.

Diamide amino-imidazoles: a novel series of γ-secretase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of a novel series of di-substituted imidazoles, derived from modification of DAPT, are described. Subsequent optimization led to identification of a highly potent series of inhibitors that contain a β-amine in the imidazole side-chain resulting in a robust in vivo reduction of plasma and brain Aβ in guinea pigs. The therapeutic index between Aβ reductions and changes in B-cell populations were studied for compound 10 h.

Discovery of 4-(5-methyloxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-1,4-diazabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane (CP-810,123), a novel alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist for the treatment of cognitive disorders in schizophrenia: synthesis, SAR development, and in vivo efficacy in cognition models.

A novel alpha 7 nAChR agonist, 4-(5-methyloxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-1,4-diazabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane (24, CP-810,123), has been identified as a potential treatment for cognitive deficits associated with psychiatric or neurological conditions including schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

The discovery of a structurally novel class of inhibitors of the type 1 glycine transporter.

The type 1 glycine transporter plays an important in regulating homeostatic glycine levels in the brain that are relevant to the activation of the NMDA receptor by the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. We describe herein the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of a structurally novel class of GlyT1 inhibitors following on a lead derived from high throughput screening, which shows good selectivity for GlyT1 and potent activity in elevating CSF levels of glycine.

In vitro and in vivo profile of 5-[(4'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-2-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid benzylmethyl carbamoylamide (dirlotapide), a novel potent MTP inhibitor for obesity.

The synthesis of a novel gut selective MTP inhibitor, 5-[(4'-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-2-carbonyl)-amino]-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid benzylmethyl carbamoylamide (dirlotapide), and its in vitro and in vivo profile are described. Dirlotapide (3) demonstrated excellent potency against MTP enzyme in HepG2 cells and canine hepatocytes. This novel MTP inhibitor also showed excellent efficacy when tested in a canine food intake model.

Discovery of potent and orally active MTP inhibitors as potential anti-obesity agents.

We have successfully identified a number of novel MTP inhibitors with single digit nanomolar potency. Analogues 10aq and 10dq demonstrated in vivo efficacy in a murine gut retention assay.

In vitro and in vivo profile of 2-(3-di-fluoromethyl-5-phenylpyrazol-1-yl)-5-methanesulfonylpyridine, a potent, selective, and orally active canine COX-2 inhibitor.

The synthesis of a novel canine COX-2 selective inhibitor, 2-(3-difluoromethyl-5-phenylpyrazol-1-yl)-5-methanesulfonylpyridine, and its in vitro and in vivo profile are described. Pyrazole 8 demonstrated excellent potency and selectivity for canine COX-2 in both in vitro and ex vivo whole blood assays. This novel COX-2 inhibitor also showed a good pharmacokinetic profile (pk) following oral (po), intravenous (iv), and subcutaneous (sc) dosing and demonstrated excellent in vivo efficacy in a canine synovitis model.

In vitro microbiological characterization of a novel azalide, two triamilides and an azalide ketal against bovine and porcine respiratory pathogens.

Several novel 15-membered-ring macrolide agents (azalide 1, triamilides 2 and 3, and the azalide 3,6-ketal 4) were identified as potential antibacterial agents against Mannheimia (formerly named as Pasteurella) haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus somnus and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, important etiological agents of bovine and porcine respiratory disease. Compound 3 is the major component of the antibiotic tulathromycin. Antibacterial activity against tilmicosin-resistant P.

Discovery of a potent, selective and orally active canine COX-2 inhibitor, 2-(3-difluoromethyl-5-phenyl-pyrazol-1-yl)-5-methanesulfonyl-pyridine.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of 2-[3-di(and tri)fluoromethyl-5-arylpyrazol-1-yl]-5-methanesulfonylpyridine derivatives for canine COX enzymes are described. This led to the identification of 12a as a lead candidate for further progression. The in vitro and in vivo activity of 12a for the canine COX-2 enzyme as well as its in vivo efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties in dog are highlighted.

Synthesis, stereochemical assignment and biological activity of a novel series of C-4" modified aza-macrolides.

Modification of the cladinose C-4" position via manipulation of the corresponding keto derivatives afforded two stereochemically pure series of compounds. The synthesis and structure determination of these compounds is described within. The in vitro and in vivo biological activity of this novel series of C-4" modified macrolides is also described.

Synthesis and activity of a novel class of tribasic macrocyclic antibiotics: the triamilides.

The stereoselective synthesis of two novel series of tribasic macrocyclic antibiotics with potent in vitro activity against Pasteurella multocida and Escherichia coli strains of bacteria is described. The in vitro activity can be significantly influenced by the nature of the substituents on the C-4" aminoalcohol, with the stereochemistry of the C-4" alcohol playing a less critical role. The effect of substitution and stereochemistry on the in vivo activity in a murine model of respiratory infection is also described.