Composite multi-parameter ranking of real and virtual compounds for design of MC4R agonists: renaissance of the Free-Wilson methodology.

Drug design is a multi-parameter task present in the analysis of experimental data for synthesized compounds and in the prediction of new compounds with desired properties. This article describes the implementation of a binned scoring and composite ranking scheme for 11 experimental parameters that were identified as key drivers in the MC4R project. The composite ranking scheme was implemented in an AstraZeneca tool for analysis of project data, thereby providing an immediate re-ranking as new experimental data was added.

Design and synthesis of potent, orally active, inhibitors of carboxypeptidase U (TAFIa).

A series of 3-mercapto-propionic acid derivatives that function as reversible inhibitors of carboxypeptidase U have been prepared. We present a successful design strategy using cyclic, low basicity guanidine mimetics resulting in potent, selective and bioavailable inhibitors of carboxypeptidase U (TAFIa).