Gemfibrozil derivatives as activators of soluble guanylyl cyclase - A structure-activity study.

Previous studies demonstrated that anti-hyperlipidemic drug gemfibrozil acts as NO- and heme-independent activator of NO receptor soluble guanylyl cyclase. A series of new gemfibrozil derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for sGC activation. The structure-activity relationship study identified the positions in gemfibrozil's scaffold that are detrimental for sGC activation and those that are amendable for optimizing modifications.

Design and Catalyzed Activation of Mycophenolic Acid Prodrugs.

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) and its morpholino ester prodrug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) are widely used in solid organ transplantation. These drugs prevent rejection due to their potent inhibition of inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), an enzyme vital for lymphocyte proliferation. As a strategy to provide localized immunosuppression in cell transplantation, four mycophenolic acid prodrugs designed to release MPA by two distinct mechanisms were synthesized and characterized.

Design and Catalyzed Activation of Tak-242 Prodrugs for Localized Inhibition of TLR4-Induced Inflammation.

Tak-242 (resatorvid), a Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor, has been identified as a potent suppressor of innate inflammation. As a strategy to target Tak-242 to select tissue, four TLR4-inactive prodrugs were synthesized for activation via two different release mechanisms. Two nitrobenzyl Tak-242 prodrugs released the parent drug upon exposure to the exogenous enzyme nitroreductase, while the two propargyl prodrugs were converted to Tak-242 in the presence of Pd.