Synthesis and SAR of sulfoxide substituted carboxyquinolines as NK3 receptor antagonists.

The neurokinin-3 (NK3) receptor is regarded as a potential novel target for treating patients with schizophrenia. Herein we report the synthesis and SAR of a series of C3-alkylsulfoxide substituted quinolines as potent NK3 receptor antagonists. These compounds have excellent NK3 functional activity, good selectivity and drug-like properties.

Assessment of biomarkers of drug-induced kidney injury in cynomolgus monkeys treated with a triple reuptake inhibitor.

Drug-induced kidney injury (DIKI) results in attrition during drug development; new DIKI urinary biomarkers offer potential to detect and monitor DIKI progression and regression, but frequently only in rats. The triple reuptake inhibitor (TRI) PRC200-SS represents a new class of antidepressants that elevate synaptic levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine and is expected to produce more rapid onset and better antidepressant efficacy than single or dual inhibitors. Although preclinical studies and recent clinical trials lend support to this concept of superior efficacy for TRIs, there is little information on the safety profile of this class of compounds.

4-aryl piperazine and piperidine amides as novel mGluR5 positive allosteric modulators.

Positive allosteric modulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is regarded as a potential novel treatment for schizophrenic patients. Herein we report the synthesis and SAR of 4-aryl piperazine and piperidine amides as potent mGluR5 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). Several analogs have excellent activity and desired drug-like properties.

In vitro assessment of metabolic drug–drug interaction potential of AZD2624, neurokinin-3 receptor antagonist, through cytochrome P(450) enzyme identification, inhibition, and induction studies.

AZD2624 was pharmacologically characterized as a NK3 receptor antagonist intended for treatment of schizophrenia. The metabolic drug-drug interaction potential of AZD2624 was evaluated in in vitro studies. CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 appeared to be the primary enzymes mediating the formation of pharmacologically active ketone metabolite (M1), whereas CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP2C9 appeared to be the enzymes responsible for the formation of the hydroxylated metabolite (M2).

Preparing for biofilm studies in the field.

In their natural environments, microorganisms are under constant environmental selection to form biofilms. Using aquatic biofilms as an example, this unit illustrates general concepts in field biology and practical suggestions for designing, conducting, and analyzing biofilm experiments at varying distances from the laboratory. The unit also addresses an example of a special situation (space flight) where experimentation must be done by proxy through another individual or machine.