Structure-Based and Property-Driven Optimization of N-Aryl Imidazoles toward Potent and Selective Oral RORγt Inhibitors.

Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma-t (RORγt) is considered to be the master transcription factor for the development of Th17 cells that produce proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-17A. Overproportionate Th17 cell abundance is associated with the pathogenesis of many inflammatory conditions including psoriasis. In a high-throughput fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) screen, we identified compound 1 as a hit with promising lipophilic efficiency (LipE). Using structure-based drug design based on a number of X-ray cocrystal structures, we morphed this hit class into potent imidazoles, exemplified by compound 3. To improve the poor absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of neutral imidazoles, we extended our ligands with carboxylic acid substituents toward a polar, water-rich area of the protein. This highly lipophilicity-efficient modification ultimately led to the discovery of compound 14, a potent and selective inhibitor of RORγt with good ADME properties and excellent in vivo pharmacokinetics. This compound showed good efficacy in an in vivo delayed-type hypersensitivity pharmacology model in rats.

Optimizing a Weakly Binding Fragment into a Potent RORγt Inverse Agonist with Efficacy in an in Vivo Inflammation Model.

The transcription factor RORγt is an attractive drug-target due to its role in the differentiation of IL-17 producing Th17 cells that play a critical role in the etiopathology of several autoimmune diseases. Identification of starting points for RORγt inverse agonists with good properties has been a challenge. We report the identification of a fragment hit and its conversion into a potent inverse agonist through fragment optimization, growing and merging efforts. Further analysis of the binding mode revealed that inverse agonism was achieved by an unusual mechanism. In contrast to other reported inverse agonists, there is no direct interaction or displacement of helix 12 observed in the crystal structure. Nevertheless, compound 9 proved to be efficacious in a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) inflammation model in rats.

Discovery of CDZ173 (Leniolisib), Representing a Structurally Novel Class of PI3K Delta-Selective Inhibitors.

The predominant expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ (PI3Kδ) in leukocytes and its critical role in B and T cell functions led to the hypothesis that selective inhibitors of this isoform would have potential as therapeutics for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory disease. Targeting specifically PI3Kδ should avoid potential side effects associated with the ubiquitously expressed PI3Kα and ß isoforms. We disclose how morphing the heterocyclic core of previously discovered 4,6-diaryl quinazolines to a significantly less lipophilic 5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine, followed by replacement of one of the phenyl groups with a pyrrolidine-3-amine, led to a compound series with an optimal on-target profile and good ADME properties. A final lipophilicity adjustment led to the discovery of CDZ173 (leniolisib), a potent PI3Kδ selective inhibitor with suitable properties and efficacy for clinical development as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic. In vitro, CDZ173 inhibits a large spectrum of immune cell functions, as demonstrated in B and T cells, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, plasmocytoid dendritic cells, and mast cells. In vivo, CDZ173 inhibits B cell activation in rats and monkeys in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. After prophylactic or therapeutic dosing, CDZ173 potently inhibited antigen-specific antibody production and reduced disease symptoms in a rat collagen-induced arthritis model. Structurally, CDZ173 differs significantly from the first generation of PI3Kδ and PI3Kγδ-selective clinical compounds. Therefore, CDZ173 could differentiate by a more favorable safety profile. CDZ173 is currently in clinical studies in patients suffering from primary Sjögren's syndrome and in APDS/PASLI, a disease caused by gain-of-function mutations of PI3Kδ.

Investigating the Structure-Activity Relationship of the Insecticidal Natural Product Rocaglamide.

The natural product Rocaglamide (1), isolated from the tree Aglaia elliptifolia, is a compelling but also challenging lead structure for crop protection. In laboratory assays, the natural product shows highly interesting insecticidal activity against chewing pests and beetles, but also phytotoxicity on some crop plants. Multi-step syntheses with control of stereochemistry were required to probe the structure-activity relationship (SAR), and seek simplified analogues. After a significant research effort, just two areas of the molecule were identified which allow modification whilst maintaining activity, as will be highlighted in this paper.

Discovery of BAF312 (Siponimod), a Potent and Selective S1P Receptor Modulator.

A novel series of alkoxyimino derivatives as S1P1 agonists were discovered through de novo design using FTY720 as the chemical starting point. Extensive structure-activity relationship studies led to the discovery of (E)-1-(4-(1-(((4-cyclohexyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)oxy)imino)ethyl)-2-ethylbenzyl)azetidine-3-carboxylic acid (32, BAF312, Siponimod), which has recently completed phase 2 clinical trials in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Structure-activity relationship and pharmacokinetic studies of sotrastaurin (AEB071), a promising novel medicine for prevention of graft rejection and treatment of psoriasis.

Protein kinase C (PKC) isotypes have emerged as key targets for the blockade of early T-cell activation. Herein, we report on the structure-activity relationship and the detailed physicochemical and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties of sotrastaurin (AEB071, 1), a novel maleimide-based PKC inhibitor currently in phase II clinical trials. Most notably, the preferred uptake of sotrastaurin into lymphoid tissues is an important feature, which is likely to contribute to its in vivo efficacy.

Pyrazole derived from (+)-3-carene; a novel potent, selective scaffold for sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P(1)) receptor agonists.

High throughput screening and hit to lead optimization led to the identification of 'carene' as a promising scaffold showing selective S1P(1) receptor agonism. In parallel to this work we have established a pharmacophore model for the S1P(1) receptor highlighting the minimal structural requirement necessary for potent receptor agonism.

Discovery of 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-4-[2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)quinazolin-4-yl]pyrrole-2,5-dione (AEB071), a potent and selective inhibitor of protein kinase C isotypes.

A series of novel maleimide-based inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated. AEB071 (1) was found to be a potent, selective inhibitor of classical and novel PKC isotypes. 1 is a highly efficient immunomodulator, acting via inhibition of early T cell activation. The binding mode of maleimides to PKCs, proposed by molecular modeling, was confirmed by X-ray analysis of 1 bound in the active site of PKCalpha.

Reduced cardiac side-effect potential by introduction of polar groups: discovery of NIBR-1282, an orally bioavailable CCR5 antagonist which is active in vivo.

Introduction of polar groups in a series of potent CCR5 antagonists which are very likely to adversely affect the conduction system in the heart led to the identification of NIBR-1282 which did not show adverse effects when tested in an isolated rabbit heart ex vivo model. Administration of NIBR-1282 in combination with a non-efficacious dose of CsA led to significant prolongation of kidney allograft survival in cynomolgus monkeys.

A monoselective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 agonist prevents allograft rejection in a stringent rat heart transplantation model.

FTY720 is an immunomodulator with demonstrated efficacy in a phase II trial of relapsing multiple sclerosis. FTY720-phosphate, the active metabolite generated upon phosphorylation in vivo, acts as a potent agonist on four of the five known sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P(1)) receptors. AUY954, an aminocarboxylate analog of FTY720, is a low nanomolar, monoselective agonist of the S1P(1) receptor. Due to its selectivity and pharmacokinetic profile, AUY954 is an excellent pharmacological probe of S1P(1)-dependent phenomena. Oral administration of AUY954 induces a profound and reversible reduction of circulating lymphocytes and, in combination with RAD001 (Certican/Everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor), is capable of prolonging the survival of cardiac allografts in a stringent rat transplantation model. This demonstrates that a selective agonist of the S1P(1) receptor is sufficient to achieve efficacy in an animal model of transplantation.

Novel immunomodulator FTY720 is phosphorylated in rats and humans to form a single stereoisomer. Identification, chemical proof, and biological characterization of the biologically active species and its enantiomer.

In vivo phosphorylation of FTY720 (1) in rats and humans resulted exclusively in the biologically active (S)-configured enantiomer, which was proven by an ex vivo o-phthaldialdehyde derivatization protocol especially elaborated for phosphates of 1. Starting from the prochiral amino alcohol 1, racemic and enantiomerically pure phosphates of 1 were synthesized. Pure enantiomers were obtained after purification of a partially protected key intermediate on an enantioselective support. The absolute stereochemistry was determined by X-ray diffraction.