BioPrint meets the AI age: development of artificial intelligence-based ADMET models for the drug-discovery platform SAFIRE.

To prioritize compounds with a higher likelihood of success, artificial intelligence models can be used to predict absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties of molecules quickly and efficiently. Models were trained with BioPrint database proprietary data along with public datasets to predict various ADMET end points for the SAFIRE platform. SAFIRE models performed at or above 75% accuracy and 0.

Discovery of a lead series of potent benzodiazepine 5-HT receptor agonists with high selectivity in functional and binding assays.

A series of potential new 5-HT receptor scaffolds based on a simplification of the clinically studied, 5-HTR agonist vabicaserin, were designed. An in vivo feeding assay early in our screening process played an instrumental part in the lead identification process, leading us to focus on a 6,5,7-tricyclic scaffold. A subsequent early SAR investigation provided potent agonists of the 5-HT receptor that were highly selective in both functional and binding assays, had good rat PK properties and that significantly reduced acute food intake in the rat.

Discovery of 2-(((1r,4r)-4-(((4-Chlorophenyl)(phenyl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)cyclohexyl)methoxy)acetate (Ralinepag): An Orally Active Prostacyclin Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

The design and synthesis of a new series of potent non-prostanoid IP receptor agonists that showed oral efficacy in the rat monocrotaline model of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are described. Detailed profiling of a number of analogues resulted in the identification of 5c (ralinepag) that has good selectivity in both binding and functional assays with respect to most members of the prostanoid receptor family and a more modest 30- to 50-fold selectivity over the EP3 receptor. In our hands, its potency and efficacy are comparable or superior to MRE269 (the active metabolite of the clinical compound NS-304) with respect to in vitro IP receptor dependent cAMP accumulation assays.

Tetrahydroquinoline-based tricyclic amines as potent and selective agonists of the 5-HT receptor.

The syntheses, structure-activity relationships (SARs), and biological activities of tetrahydroquinoline-based tricyclic amines as 5-HT receptor agonists are reported. An early lead containing a highly unique 6,6,7-ring system was optimized for both in vitro potency and selectivity at the related 5-HT receptor. Orally bioactive, potent, and selective 6,6,6-tricyclic 5-HT agonists were identified.

Investigating interactions between phentermine, dexfenfluramine, and 5-HT2C agonists, on food intake in the rat.

Rationale: Synergistic or supra-additive interactions between the anorectics (dex)fenfluramine and phentermine have been reported previously in the rat and in the clinic. Studies with 5-HT2C antagonists and 5-HT2C knockouts have demonstrated dexfenfluramine hypophagia in the rodent to be mediated by actions at the 5-HT2C receptor. Given the recent FDA approval of the selective 5-HT2C agonist lorcaserin (BELVIQ®) for weight management, we investigated the interaction between phentermine and 5-HT2C agonists on food intake.

Discovery of APD334: Design of a Clinical Stage Functional Antagonist of the Sphingosine-1-phosphate-1 Receptor.

APD334 was discovered as part of our internal effort to identify potent, centrally available, functional antagonists of the S1P1 receptor for use as next generation therapeutics for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases. APD334 is a potent functional antagonist of S1P1 and has a favorable PK/PD profile, producing robust lymphocyte lowering at relatively low plasma concentrations in several preclinical species. This new agent was efficacious in a mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS and a rat collagen induced arthritis (CIA) model and was found to have appreciable central exposure.

(1aR,5aR)1a,3,5,5a-Tetrahydro-1H-2,3-diaza-cyclopropa[a]pentalene-4-carboxylic acid (MK-1903): a potent GPR109a agonist that lowers free fatty acids in humans.

G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) GPR109a is a molecular target for nicotinic acid and is expressed in adipocytes, spleen, and immune cells. Nicotinic acid has long been used for the treatment of dyslipidemia due to its capacity to positively affect serum lipids to a greater extent than other currently marketed drugs. We report a series of tricyclic pyrazole carboxylic acids that are potent and selective agonists of GPR109a.

Discovery of a second generation agonist of the orphan G-protein coupled receptor GPR119 with an improved profile.

The design and synthesis of a second generation GPR119-agonist clinical candidate for the treatment of diabetes is described. Compound 16 (APD597, JNJ-38431055) was selected for preclinical development based on a good balance between agonist potency, intrinsic activity and in particular on its good solubility and reduced drug-drug interaction potential. In addition, extensive in vivo studies showed a more favorable metabolic profile that may avoid the generation of long lasting metabolites with the potential to accumulate in clinical studies.

Discovery and characterization of potent and selective 4-oxo-4-(5-(5-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)indolin-1-yl)butanoic acids as S1P₁ agonists.

S1P(1) receptor driven lymphopenia has proven utility in the treatment of an array of autoimmune disease states. As a part of our efforts to develop potent and selective S1P(1) receptor agonists, we have identified a novel chemical series of 4-oxo-4-(5-(5-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)indolin-1-yl)butanoic acid S1P(1) receptor agonists.

G-protein coupled receptors virtual screening using genetic algorithm focused chemical space.

Exploiting the ever growing set of activity data for compounds against biological targets represents both a challenge and an opportunity for ligand-based virtual screening (LBVS). Because G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a rich set of potential drug targets, we sought to develop an appropriate method to examine large sets of GPCR ligand information for both screening collection enhancement and hit expansion. To this end, we have implemented a modified version of BDACCS that removes highly correlated descriptors (rBDACCS).

Discovery of fused bicyclic agonists of the orphan G-protein coupled receptor GPR119 with in vivo activity in rodent models of glucose control.

We herein outline the design of a new series of agonists of the pancreatic and GI-expressed orphan G-protein coupled receptor GPR119, a target that has been of significant recent interest in the field of metabolism, starting from our prototypical agonist AR231453. A number of key parameters were improved first by incorporation of a pyrazolopyrimidine core to create a new structural series and secondly by the introduction of a piperidine ether group capped with a carbamate. Chronic treatment with one compound from the series, 3k, showed for the first time that blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels could be significantly reduced in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats over several weeks of dosing.

Potent tricyclic pyrazole tetrazole agonists of the nicotinic acid receptor (GPR109a).

Tricyclic pyrazole tetrazoles which are potent partial agonists of the high affinity niacin receptor, GPR109a, have been discovered and optimized. One of these compounds has proven to be effective at lowering free fatty acids in vitro and in vivo.

Elucidating molecular overlays from pairwise alignments using a genetic algorithm.

Inferring the relative bioactive poses between active molecules is a common problem in drug discovery. The use of rapid pairwise alignment algorithms in conjunction with rigid conformer libraries has become a prevalent approach to this problem. These programs can be easily used to compare two molecules or suggest alternatives to a single known active.

5-N,N-Disubstituted 5-aminopyrazole-3-carboxylic acids are highly potent agonists of GPR109b.

A series of 5-N,N-disubstituted-5-aminopyrazole-3-carboxylic acids were prepared and found to act as highly potent and selective agonists of the G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) GPR109b, a low affinity receptor for niacin and some aromatic d-amino acids. Little activity was observed at the highly homologous higher affinity niacin receptor, GPR109a.

3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-cyclopentapyrazole (MK-0354): a partial agonist of the nicotinic acid receptor, G-protein coupled receptor 109a, with antilipolytic but no vasodilatory activity in mice.

The discovery and profiling of 3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-cyclopentapyrazole (5a, MK-0354), a partial agonist of GPR109a, is described. Compound 5a retained the plasma free fatty acid lowering effects in mice associated with GPR109a agonism, but did not induce vasodilation at the maximum feasible dose. Moreover, preadministration of 5a blocked the flushing effect induced by nicotinic acid but not that induced by PGD2.

A new family of H3 receptor antagonists based on the natural product Conessine.

A new family of Histamine H(3) receptor antagonists (5a-t) has been prepared based on the structure of the natural product Conessine, a known H(3) antagonist. Several members of the new series are highly potent and selective binders of rat and human H(3) receptors and display inverse agonism at the human H(3) receptor. Compound 5n exhibited promising rat pharmacokinetic properties and demonstrated functional antagonism of the H(3) receptor in an in-vivo pharmacological model.

3-Nitro-4-amino benzoic acids and 6-amino nicotinic acids are highly selective agonists of GPR109b.

A series of 3-nitro-4-substituted-aminobenzoic acids were prepared and found to act as potent and highly selective agonists of the orphan human GPCR GPR109b, a low affinity receptor for niacin. No activity was observed at the closely homologous high affinity niacin receptor, GPR109a. A second series, comprising 6-amino-substituted nicotinic acids was, also prepared and several analogues showed comparable activity to the nitroaryl series.

Agonist lead identification for the high affinity niacin receptor GPR109a.

A strategy for lead identification of new agonists of GPR109a, starting from known compounds shown to activate the receptor, is described. Early compound triage led to the formulation of a binding hypothesis and eventually to our focus on a series of pyrazole acid derivatives. Further elaboration of these compounds provided a series of 5,5-fused pyrazoles to be used as lead compounds for further optimization.

Analogues of acifran: agonists of the high and low affinity niacin receptors, GPR109a and GPR109b.

Recently identified GPCRs, GPR109a and GPR109b, the high and low affinity receptors for niacin, may represent good targets for the development of HDL elevating drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Acifran, an agonist of both receptors, has been tested in human subjects, yet until recently very few analogs had been reported. We describe a series of acifran analogs prepared using newly developed synthetic pathways and evaluated as agonists for GPR109a and GPR109b, resulting in identification of compounds with improved activity at these receptors.

1-Alkyl-benzotriazole-5-carboxylic acids are highly selective agonists of the human orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR109b.

1-Substituted benzotriazole carboxylic acids have been identified as the first reported examples of selective small-molecule agonists of the human orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR109b (HM74), a low-affinity receptor for the HDL-raising drug niacin. No activity was observed at the highly homologous high-affinity niacin receptor GPR109a (HM74A). The high degree of selectivity was attributed to a difference in the amino acid sequence adjacent to a key arginine-ligand interaction allowing somewhat larger ligands to be tolerated by GPR109b.