In Vivo Dearomatization of the Potent Antituberculosis Agent BTZ043 via Meisenheimer Complex Formation.

Nitrobenzothiazinones are among the most potent antituberculosis agents. Herein, we disclose an unprecedented in vivo reduction process that affords Meisenheimer complexes of the clinical candidates BTZ043 and PBTZ169. The reduction is reversible, occurs in all mammalian species investigated, has a profound influence on the in vivo ADME characteristics, and has considerable implications for the design and implementation of clinical studies.