Synthesis and biological evaluation of amino-pyridines as androgen receptor antagonists for stimulating hair growth and reducing sebum production.

A series of amino-pyridines were synthesized and evaluated for androgen antagonist activities. Among these compounds, (R)-(+)-6-[methyl-(1-phenyl-ethyl)-amino]-4-trifluoromethyl-nicotinonitrile was the most active example of this class. This compound displayed potent androgen receptor antagonist activity as well as favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics for a potential topical agent. It also demonstrated remarkable potency for stimulating hair growth in a male C3H mouse model as well as reducing sebum production in the male Syrian hamster ear model.