Identification of highly selective SIK1/2 inhibitors that modulate innate immune activation and suppress intestinal inflammation.

The salt-inducible kinases (SIK) 1-3 are key regulators of pro- versus anti-inflammatory cytokine responses during innate immune activation. The lack of highly SIK-family or SIK isoform-selective inhibitors suitable for repeat, oral dosing has limited the study of the optimal SIK isoform selectivity profile for suppressing inflammation in vivo. To overcome this challenge, we devised a structure-based design strategy for developing potent SIK inhibitors that are highly selective against other kinases by engaging two differentiating features of the SIK catalytic site.

Substituted Azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes as Selective Orexin-1 Antagonists: Discovery of JNJ-54717793.

The orexin system consists of two neuropeptides (orexin-A and orexin-B) that exert their mode of action on two receptors (orexin-1 and orexin-2). While the role of the orexin-2 receptor is established as an important modulator of sleep wake states, the role of the orexin-1 receptor is believed to play a role in addiction, panic, or anxiety. In this manuscript, we describe the optimization of a nonselective substituted azabicyclo[2.

Heteroarylureas with fused bicyclic diamine cores as inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase.

A series of mechanism-based heteroaryl urea fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors with fused bicyclic diamine cores is described. In contrast to compounds built around a piperazine core, most of the fused bicyclic diamine bearing analogs prepared exhibited greater potency against rFAAH than the human enzyme. Several compounds equipotent against both species were identified and profiled in vivo.

Discovery of a Gut-Restricted JAK Inhibitor for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

To identify Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors that selectively target gastrointestinal tissues with limited systemic exposures, a class of imidazopyrrolopyridines with a range of physical properties was prepared and evaluated. We identified compounds with low intrinsic permeability and determined a correlation between permeability and physicochemical properties, clogP and tPSA, for a subset of compounds. This low intrinsic permeability translated into compounds displaying high colonic exposure and low systemic exposure after oral dosing at 25 mg/kg in mouse.

Immunolocalization of novel corticomedullary tubule injury markers in Cynomolgus monkeys treated with amphotericin B.

Amphotericin B (AmpB) nephrotoxicity was used to assess the utility of drug‑induced kidney injury (DIKI) biomarkers in an exploratory study in male cynomolgus monkeys. All animals had quantifiable levels of AmpB in plasma on days 1 and 4. There were no clinical signs of AmpB‑induced toxicity in this study.

The SAR of brain penetration for a series of heteroaryl urea FAAH inhibitors.

The SAR of brain penetration for a series of heteroaryl piperazinyl- and piperadinyl-urea fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors is described. Brain/plasma (B/P) ratios ranging from >4:1 to as low as 0.02:1 were obtained through relatively simple structural changes to various regions of the heteroaryl urea scaffold.

Preclinical Characterization of the FAAH Inhibitor JNJ-42165279.

The pre-clinical characterization of the aryl piperazinyl urea inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) JNJ-42165279 is described. JNJ-42165279 covalently inactivates the FAAH enzyme, but is highly selective with regard to other enzymes, ion channels, transporters, and receptors. JNJ-42165279 exhibited excellent ADME and pharmacodynamic properties as evidenced by its ability to block FAAH in the brain and periphery of rats and thereby cause an elevation of the concentrations of anandamide (AEA), oleoyl ethanolamide (OEA), and palmitoyl ethanolamide (PEA).

Characterization of JNJ-42847922, a Selective Orexin-2 Receptor Antagonist, as a Clinical Candidate for the Treatment of Insomnia.

Dual orexin receptor antagonists have been shown to promote sleep in various species, including humans. Emerging research indicates that selective orexin-2 receptor (OX2R) antagonists may offer specificity and a more adequate sleep profile by preserving normal sleep architecture. Here, we characterized JNJ-42847922 ([5-(4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)-hexahydro-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrol-2-yl]-(2-fluoro-6-[1,2,3]triazol-2-yl-phenyl)-methanone), a high-affinity/potent OX2R antagonist.

Novel Octahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrroles Are Selective Orexin-2 Antagonists: SAR Leading to a Clinical Candidate.

The preclinical characterization of novel octahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrroles that are potent and selective orexin-2 antagonists is described. Optimization of physicochemical and DMPK properties led to the discovery of compounds with tissue distribution and duration of action suitable for evaluation in the treatment of primary insomnia. These selective orexin-2 antagonists are proven to promote sleep in rats, and this work ultimately led to the identification of a compound that progressed into human clinical trials for the treatment of primary insomnia.

1-Aryl-2-((6-aryl)pyrimidin-4-yl)amino)ethanols as competitive inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase.

A series of 1-aryl-2-(((6-aryl)pyrimidin-4-yl)amino)ethanols have been found to be competitive inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). One member of this class, JNJ-40413269, was found to have excellent pharmacokinetic properties, demonstrated robust central target engagement, and was efficacious in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

Heteroarylureas with spirocyclic diamine cores as inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase.

A series of mechanism based heteroaryl urea fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors with spirocyclic diamine cores is described. A potent member of this class, (37), was found to inhibit FAAH centrally, elevate the brain levels of three fatty acid ethanolamides [FAAs: anandamide (AEA), oleoyl ethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoyl ethanolamide (PEA)], and was moderately efficacious in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

Pyrazole-based arylalkyne cathepsin S inhibitors. Part III: modification of P4 region.

Novel classes of tetrahydropyrido-pyrazole thioether amines and arylalkynes that display potency against human Cathepsin S have been previously reported. Here, key pharmacophoric elements of these two classes are merged, and SAR investigations of the P4 region are described, in conjunction with re-optimization of the P5 and P1/P1'/P3 regions. Identification of meta-substituted arylalkynes with good potency and improved solubility is described.

Aryl Piperazinyl Ureas as Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) in Rat, Dog, and Primate.

A series of aryl piperazinyl ureas that act as covalent inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is described. A potent and selective (does not inhibit FAAH-2) member of this class, JNJ-40355003, was found to elevate the plasma levels of three fatty acid amides: anandamide, oleoyl ethanolamide, and palmitoyl ethanolamide, in the rat, dog, and cynomolgous monkey. The elevation of the levels of these lipids in the plasma of monkeys suggests that FAAH-2 may not play a significant role in regulating plasma levels of fatty acid ethanolamides in primates.

Spontaneous gelation of a novel histamine H4 receptor antagonist in aqueous solution.

Purpose: Low molecular weight hydrogelators typically require a stimulus such as heat, antisolvent, or pH adjustment to produce a gel. This study examines gelation of a novel histamine H4 receptor antagonist that forms hydrogels spontaneously at room temperature.

Methods: To elucidate the mechanism and structural moieties responsible for this unusual gelation, hydrogels were characterized by rheology, optical microscopy, and XRD.

Characterization of 2-(2,6-dichloro-benzyl)-thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amine (JNJ-39729209) as a novel TRPV1 antagonist.

As an integrator of multiple nociceptive and/or inflammatory stimuli, TRPV1 is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of various painful disorders. Several TRPV1 antagonists have been advanced into clinical trials and the initial observations suggest that TRPV1 antagonism may be associated with mild hyperthermia and thermal insensitivity in man. However, no clinical efficacy studies have been described to date, making an assessment of risk:benefit impossible.

JNJ-26070109 [(R)4-bromo-N-[1-(2,4-difluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-2-(quinoxaline-5-sulfonylamino)-benzamide]: a novel, potent, and selective cholecystokinin 2 receptor antagonist with good oral bioavailability.

JNJ-26070109 [(R)4-bromo-N-[1-(2,4-difluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-2-(quinoxaline-5-sulfonylamino)-benzamide] is a representative of a new chemical class of competitive antagonists of cholecystokinin 2 (CCK2) receptors. In this study, the primary in vitro pharmacology of JNJ-26070109 was evaluated along with the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of this compound in rat and canine models of gastric acid secretion. JNJ-26070109 expressed high affinity for human (pK(I) = 8.

Pharmacological characterization of 1-(5-chloro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (JNJ-42041935), a potent and selective hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor.

The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) enzymes represent novel targets for the treatment of anemia, ulcerative colitis, and ischemic and metabolic disease inter alia. We have identified a novel small-molecule inhibitor of PHD, 1-(5-chloro-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (JNJ-42041935), through structure-based drug design methods. The pharmacology of JNJ-42041935 was investigated in enzyme, cellular, and whole-animal systems and was compared with other compounds described in the literature as PHD inhibitors.

1,2-diamino-ethane-substituted-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-pyrimido[4,5-d]azepines as TRPV1 antagonists with improved properties.

Based upon a previously reported lead compound 1, a series of 1,2-diamino-ethane-substituted-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-pyrimido[4,5-d]azepines were synthesized and evaluated for improved physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties while maintaining TRPV1 antagonist activity. Structure-activity relationship studies directed toward improving the aqueous solubility (pH 2 and fasted-state simulated intestinal fluid (SIF)) and rat pharmacokinetics led to the discovery of compound 13. Aqueous solubility of compound 13 (pH 2 ≥237 μg/mL and SIF=11 μg/mL) was significantly improved over compound 1 (pH 2=5 μg/mL and SIF=0.

Pre-clinical characterization of aryloxypyridine amides as histamine H3 receptor antagonists: identification of candidates for clinical development.

The pre-clinical characterization of novel aryloxypyridine amides that are histamine H(3) receptor antagonists is described. These compounds are high affinity histamine H(3) ligands that penetrate the CNS and occupy the histamine H(3) receptor in rat brain. Several compounds were extensively profiled pre-clinically leading to the identification of two compounds suitable for nomination as development candidates.

Characterization of a robust enzymatic assay for inhibitors of 2-oxoglutarate-dependent hydroxylases.

The prolyl-4-hydroxylase proteins regulate the hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) by hydroxylation of proline residues targeting HIF-1alpha for proteasomal degradation. Using the purified catalytic domain of prolyl hydroxylase 2 (PHD2(181-417)), an enzymatic assay has been developed to test inhibitors of the enzyme in vitro. Because PHD2 hydroxylates HIF-1alpha, with succinic acid produced as an end product, radiolabeled [5-(14)C]-2-oxoglutaric acid was used and formation of [14C]-succinic acid was measured to quantify PHD2(181-417) enzymatic activity.

Identification and synthesis of 2,7-diamino-thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives as TRPV1 antagonists.

We have identified and synthesized a series of 2,7-diamino-thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines as TRPV1 antagonists. An exploration of the structure-activity relationships at the 2-, 5-, and 7-positions of the thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine led to the identification of several potent TRPV1 antagonists, including 3, 29, 51, and 57. Compound 3 was orally bioavailable and afforded a significant reversal of carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia with an ED(50)=0.

3-[5-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-m-tolyl-propionate (JNJ-17156516), a novel, potent, and selective cholecystokinin 1 receptor antagonist: in vitro and in vivo pharmacological comparison with dexloxiglumide.

3-[5-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-m-tolyl-propionate (JNJ-17156516) is a novel, potent, and selective cholecystokinin (CCK)1-receptor antagonist. In this study, the pharmacology of JNJ-17156516 was investigated both in vitro and in vivo, and the pharmacokinetic profile was evaluated in rats. JNJ-17156516 expressed high-affinity at the cloned human (pK(I) = 7.

Identification and optimization of anthranilic sulfonamides as novel, selective cholecystokinin-2 receptor antagonists.

A high throughput screening approach to the identification of selective cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK-2R) ligands resulted in the discovery of a novel series of antagonists, represented by 1-[2-[(2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-4-ylsulfonyl)amino]-5-chlorobenzoyl]-piperidine (1; CCK-2R, pK(I) = 6.4). Preliminary exploration of the structure-activity relationships around the anthranilic ring and the amide and sulfonamide moieties led to a nearly 50-fold improvement of receptor affinity and showed a greater than 1000-fold selectivity over the related cholecystokinin-1 receptor.

Identification and biological evaluation of 4-(3-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylic acid (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl)amide, a high affinity TRPV1 (VR1) vanilloid receptor antagonist.

High throughput screening using the recombinant human TRPV1 receptor was used to identify a series of pyridinylpiperazine ureas (3) as TRPV1 vanilloid receptor ligands. Exploration of the structure-activity relationships by parallel synthesis identified the essential pharmacophoric elements for antagonism that permitted further optimization via targeted synthesis to provide a potent orally bioavailable and selective TRPV1 modulator 41 active in several in vivo models.