Optimisation of in silico derived 2-aminobenzimidazole hits as unprecedented selective kappa opioid receptor agonists.

Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) is an important mediator of pain signaling and it is targeted for the treatment of various pains. Pharmacophore based mining of databases led to the identification of 2-aminobenzimidazole derivative as KOR agonists with selectivity over the other opioid receptors DOR and MOR. A short SAR exploration with the objective of identifying more polar and hence less brain penetrant agonists is described herewith.

Design and optimization of quinazoline derivatives as melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) antagonists: part 2.

Melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) antagonists have potential for the treatment of obesity and several CNS disorders. In the preceding article, we have described a novel series of quinazolines as MCHR1 antagonists and demonstrated in vivo proof of principle with an early lead. Herein we describe the detailed SAR and SPR studies to identify an optimized lead candidate having good efficacy in a sub-chronic DIO model with a good cardiovascular safety window.

Design and optimization of quinazoline derivatives as melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) antagonists.

Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) is an important mediator of energy homeostasis and plays a role in metabolic and CNS disorders. The modeling-supported design, synthesis and multi-parameter optimization (biological activity, solubility, metabolic stability, hERG) of novel quinazoline derivatives as MCHR1 antagonists are described. The in vivo proof of principle for weight loss with a lead compound from this series is exemplified.

Discovery of novel, orally available benzimidazoles as melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) antagonists.

Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) is an important mediator of energy homeostasis and plays role in several disorders such as obesity, stress, depression and anxiety. The synthesis and biological evaluation of novel benzimidazole derivatives as MCHR1 antagonists are described. The in vivo proof of principle for weight loss with a lead compound from this series is exemplified.

Exploration of SAR features by modifications of thiazoleacetic acids as CRTH2 antagonists.

The SAR features have been further explored for (2-benzhydryl-4-phenyl-thiazol-5-yl)acetic acids as CRTH2 (chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells) antagonists. The introduction of a nitrogen or a methyl substituent in the benzhydrylic position offer two alternative drugable scaffolds attractive for unsymmetrically substituted derivatives. An imidazole analogue lacks activity due to formation of a favored coplanar intramolecular hydrogen bond.

Novel selective thiazoleacetic acids as CRTH2 antagonists developed from in silico derived hits. Part 1.

Structure-activity relationships of three related series of 4-phenylthiazol-5-ylacetic acids, derived from two hits emanating from a focused library obtained by in silico screening, have been explored as CRTH2 (chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells) antagonists. Several compounds with double digit nanomolar binding affinity and full antagonistic efficacy for human CRTH2 receptor were obtained in all subclasses. The most potent compound was [2-(4-chloro-benzyl)-4-(4-phenoxy-phenyl)-thiazol-5-yl]acetic acid having an binding affinity of 3.

Novel selective thiazoleacetic acids as CRTH2 antagonists developed from in silico derived hits. Part 2.

Structure-activity relationships have been established by exploring the eastern and western side of 5-thiazolyleacetic acids as CRTH2 (chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells) antagonists. Benzhydryl motifs in the 2-position of the thiazole was found to be most advantageous. The 4-thiazole position should either carry 3- or 4-fluorophenyl rings or a 4-pyridyl suitably substituted in the flanking 2-position.

HPLC analysis of aliphatic sulfonate surfactants using ion-pair detection.

A method was developed for the analysis of a number of surfactants which contained no UV-chromophores, using RP-HPLC with Indirect Photometric Detection, IPD. Pyridinium salts such as N-methylpyridinium iodide, N-methyl-2,2'-dipyridinium iodide and N,N'-dimethyl-2,2'-dipyridinium diiodide, were used as the visualization reagents, forming ion-pair complexes with the sulfonate surfactants. This allowed ordinary UV-detection.

Synthesis of hydroxy sulfonate surfactants.

The selective synthesis of sulfonate surfactants with side chains containing ether- and hydroxy groups was carried out using cyclic sulfates as epoxide analogues. The main chain was elaborated from 1,2-dodecane sulfate by the addition of various hydroxy/alkoxysulfonates. Ethyleneoxy- and 1,2-propyleneoxy- groups were introduced using ethylene sulfate and 1,2-propylene sulfate, respectively.

Novel selective orally active CRTH2 antagonists for allergic inflammation developed from in silico derived hits.

Hits from an in silico derived focused library for CRTH2 were transformed into highly selective antagonists with favorable ADME properties. Oral administration of 4-bromo-2-(1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonyl)phenoxyacetic acid (19) inhibited peribronchial eosinophilia and mucus cell hyperplasia in a mouse model of allergic asthma, supporting the therapeutic potential of this novel compound class. In addition, this selective pharmacological tool compound provides further evidence for CRTH2 as a relevant therapeutic target for treatment of Th2- and eosinophil-related inflammation.

6-Acylamino-2-amino-4-methylquinolines as potent melanin-concentrating hormone 1 receptor antagonists: structure-activity exploration of eastern and western parts.

SAR explorations of the eastern and western parts of recently disclosed 2-aminoquinoline MCH1R-antagonists are reported. Eastern part investigations confirmed a high degree of structural freedom, and a number of additional single digit nanomolar antagonists were identified. Investigations of the western part also confirmed the initial SAR analysis, requiring a para-substituted phenyl ring spaced from the 6-amide by two connecting atoms.

6-Acylamino-2-aminoquinolines as potent melanin-concentrating hormone 1 receptor antagonists. Identification, structure-activity relationship, and investigation of binding mode.

Novel 6-acylamino-2-aminoquinoline melanin-concentrating hormone 1 receptor (MCH1R) antagonists were identified by sequential in silico screening with 3D pharmacophore models derived from a series of benzamide antagonists. The structure-activity relationship exploration by synthesis of analogues found structural demands around the western part of the compounds to be quite specific, whereas much structural freedom was found in the eastern part. While these compounds in general suffered from poor solubility properties, the 4-trifluoromethoxyphenoxyacetamide western appendage provided a favorable combination of activity and solubility properties.

Preparation and evaluation of sulfur-containing metal chelators.

With a view to probe the structure and function of G-protein coupled receptors the synthesis of functionalized 8-mercaptoquinoline derivatives and 2-(2-pyridyl)thiophenol was achieved. A fluorescence-based method for determining the affinity of these metal chelators toward zinc ions was developed.