Pharmacological characterization of N-[(2S)-5-(6-fluoro-3-pyridinyl)-2, 3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl]-2-propanesulfonamide: a novel, clinical AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators represent a potential therapeutic strategy to improve cognition in people with schizophrenia. These studies collectively constitute the preclinical pharmacology data package used to build confidence in the pharmacology of this molecule and enable a clinical trial application. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: [N-[(2S)-5-(6-fluoro-3-pyridinyl)-2,3-dihydro 1H-inden-2-yl]-2-propanesulfonamide] (UoS12258) was profiled in a number of in vitro and in vivo studies to highlight its suitability as a novel therapeutic agent. KEY RESULTS: We demonstrated that UoS12258 is a selective, positive allosteric modulator of the AMPA receptor. At rat native hetero-oligomeric AMPA receptors, UoS12258 displayed a minimum effective concentration of approximately 10 nM in vitro and enhanced AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission at an estimated free brain concentration of approximately 15 nM in vivo. UoS12258 reversed a delay-induced deficit in novel object recognition in rats after both acute and sub-chronic dosing. Sub-chronic dosing reduced the minimum effective dose from 0.3 to 0.03 mg·kg-1 . UoS12258 was also effective at improving performance in two other cognition models, passive avoidance in scopolamine-impaired rats and water maze learning and retention in aged rats. In side-effect profiling studies, UoS12258 did not produce significant changes in the maximal electroshock threshold test at doses below 10 mg·kg-1 . CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: We conclude that UoS12258 is a potent and selective AMPA receptor modulator exhibiting cognition enhancing properties in several rat behavioural models superior to other molecules that have previously entered clinical evaluation.

1,2,4-Triazolyl 5-Azaspiro[2.4]heptanes: Lead Identification and Early Lead Optimization of a New Series of Potent and Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonists.

A novel series of 1,2,4-triazolyl 5-azaspiro[2.4]heptanes with high affinity and selectivity at the dopamine (DA) D3 receptor (D3R) is described. Some of these compounds also have high selectivity over the hERG channel and were characterized with respect to their pharmacokinetic properties both in vitro and in vivo during lead identification and early lead optimization phases. A few derivatives with overall favorable developability characteristics were selected for further late lead optimization studies.

1,2,4-Triazolyl octahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrroles: A new series of potent and selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonists.

A novel series of 1,2,4-triazolyl octahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrroles showing high affinity and selectivity at the DA D3 receptor is reported here. Compounds endowed with high selectivity over the hERG channel were identified and their pharmacokinetic properties thoroughly analyzed. A few derivatives with appropriate developability characteristics were selected for further studies and progression along the screening cascade. In particular, derivative 60a, (DA D3 pKi=8.4, DA D2 pKi=6.0 and hERG fpKi=5.2) showed a balanced profile and further refinements are in progress around this molecule.

Novel morpholine scaffolds as selective dopamine (DA) D3 receptor antagonists.

A new series of morpholine derivatives has been identified as selective DA D3 receptor antagonists; their in vitro profile and pharmacokinetic data are provided.

Occupancy of brain dopamine D3 receptors and drug craving: a translational approach.

Selective dopamine D(3) receptor (D(3)R) antagonists prevent reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior and decrease the rewarding effects of contextual cues associated with drug intake preclinically, suggesting that they may reduce drug craving in humans. GSK598809 is a selective D(3)R antagonist recently progressed in Phase I trials. The aim of this study was to establish a model, based on the determination of the occupancy of brain D(3)Rs (O(D(3))(R)) across species, to predict the ability of GSK598809 to reduce nicotine-seeking behavior in humans, here assessed as cigarette craving in smokers. Using ex vivo [(125)I](R)-trans-7-hydroxy-2-[N-propyl-N-(3'-iodo-2'-propenyl)amino] tetralin ([(125)I]7OH-PIPAT) autoradiography and [(11)C]PHNO positron emission tomography, we demonstrated a dose-dependent occupancy of the D(3)Rs by GSK598809 in rat, baboon, and human brains. We also showed a direct relationship between O(D(3))(R) and pharmacokinetic exposure, and potencies in line with the in vitro binding affinity. Likewise, GSK598809 dose dependently reduced the expression of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats, with an effect proportional to the exposure and O(D(3))(R) at every time point, and 100% effect at O(D(3))(R) values 72%. In humans, a single dose of GSK598809, giving submaximal levels (72-89%) of O(D(3))(R), transiently alleviated craving in smokers after overnight abstinence. These data suggest that either higher O(D(3))(R) is required for a full effect in humans or that nicotine-seeking behavior in CPP rats only partially translates into craving for cigarettes in short-term abstinent smokers. In addition, they provide the first clinical evidence of potential efficacy of a selective D(3)R antagonist for the treatment of substance-use disorders.

Slow dissociation of partial agonists from the D2 receptor is linked to reduced prolactin release.

In this study we investigated the correlation between affinity, efficacy, peripheral receptor occupancy, and kinetic properties of D2 dopamine receptor ligands with time-course evaluations of prolactin release in rat blood. We profiled typical and atypical antipsychotic antagonists at D2 receptors, the partial agonist aripiprazole, and four novel partial agonist compounds with different properties. Clozapine and quetiapine revealed lower prolactin release and fast dissociation kinetics, linking fast dissociation and prolactin-sparing properties. Surprisingly, haloperidol, a highly prolactin-releasing antagonist, shared intermediate dissociation properties. Factors other than kinetic properties may thus contribute to prolactin-releasing properties of antagonists. Partial agonists sharing similar efficacies and receptor occupancies differed markedly in their ability to induce hyperprolactinaemia. Aripiprazole moderately released prolactin even at high receptor occupancies, with slow dissociation from D2 receptors. Other compounds displaying low affinities and fast dissociations released prolactin substantially, although less than haloperidol. The effect augmented after repeated administrations. Compounds with high affinities and slow dissociation rates stimulated moderate prolactin release at high receptor occupancies, reaching a ceiling effect at 50-60% occupancy. Moreover, the effect developed tolerance. In conclusion, we investigated the affinity and kinetic properties of D2 partial agonists associated with their ability to induce prolactin release in blood. We propose that for D2 partial agonists, at comparable intrinsic activities and peripheral occupancies, the prolactin-releasing properties are linked to their kinetic rate properties. Differently from D2 antagonists, partial agonists display slow dissociation and high affinity associated with a low prolactin release profile.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of new 1,5-dialkyl-1,5-benzodiazepines as cholecystokinin-2 receptor antagonists.

This article deals with the synthesis and the activities of some 1,5-dialkyl-3-arylureido-1,5-benzodiazepin-2,4-diones which were prepared as potential CCK2 antagonists, with the intention to find a possible follow up of our lead compound GV150013, showing an improved pharmacokinetic profile. The phenyl ring at N-5 was replaced with more hydrophilic substituents, like alkyl groups bearing basic functions. In some cases, the resolution of the racemic key intermediates 3-amino-benzodiazepines was also accomplished. Among the compounds synthesized and characterised so far in this class, the 5-morpholinoethyl derivative 54, was selected as potential follow up of GV150013 and submitted for further evaluation.

Stable expression and functional characterization of a human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with α6ß2 properties: discovery of selective antagonists.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite growing evidence that inhibition of α6ß2-containing (α6ß2*) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) may be beneficial for the therapy of tobacco addiction, the lack of good sources of α6ß2*-nAChRs has delayed the discovery of α6ß2-selective antagonists. Our aim was to generate a cell line stably expressing functional nAChRs with α6ß2 properties, to enable pharmacological characterization and the identification of novel α6ß2-selective antagonists. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Different combinations of the α6, ß2, ß3, chimeric α6/3 and mutant ß3(V273S) subunits were transfected in human embryonic kidney cells and tested for activity in a fluorescent imaging plate reader assay. The pharmacology of rat immune-immobilized α6ß2*-nAChRs was determined with ¹²5I-epibatidine binding. KEY RESULTS: Functional channels were detected after co-transfection of α6/3, ß2 and ß3(V273S) subunits, while all other subunit combinations failed to produce agonist-induced responses. Stably expressed α6/3ß2ß3(V273S)-nAChR pharmacology was unique, and clearly distinct from α4ß2-, α3ß4-, α7- and α1ß1δε-nAChRs. Antagonist potencies in inhibiting α6/3ß2ß3(V273S) -nAChRs was similar to their binding affinity for rat native α6ß2*-nAChRs. Agonist affinities for α6ß2*-nAChRs was higher than their potency in activating α6/3ß2ß3(V273S)-nAChRs, but their relative activities were equivalent. Focussed set screening at α6/3ß2ß3(V273S)-nAChRs, followed by cross-screening with the other nAChRs, led to the identification of novel α6ß2-selective antagonists. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: We generated a mammalian cell line stably expressing nAChRs, with pharmacological properties similar to native α6ß2*-nAChRs, and used it to identify novel non-peptide, low molecular weight, α6ß2-selective antagonists. We also propose a pharmacophore model of α6ß2 antagonists, which offers a starting point for the development of new smoking cessation agents.

Integration of lead optimization with crystallography for a membrane-bound ion channel target: discovery of a new class of AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators.

A novel series of AMPAR positive modulators is described that were identified by high throughput screening. The molecules of the series have been optimized from a high quality starting point hit to afford excellent developability, tolerability, and efficacy profiles, leading to identification of a clinical candidate. Unusually for an ion channel target, this optimization was integrated with regular generation of ligand-bound crystal structures and uncovered a novel chemotype with a unique and highly conserved mode of interaction via a trifluoromethyl group.

N-substituted pyrrolidines and tetrahydrofurans as novel AMPAR positive modulators.

A series of novel AMPA receptor positive modulators displaying CNS penetration have been discovered with sub-micromolar activity and good selectivity over the cardiac channel receptor, hERG. We describe here the synthesis of these compounds which are biaryl pyrrolidine and tetrahydrofuran sulfonamides and disclose their activities against the human GluA2 flip isoform homotetrameric receptor.

Discovery of N-[(2S)-5-(6-fluoro-3-pyridinyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl]-2-propanesulfonamide, a novel clinical AMPA receptor positive modulator.

A series of AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators has been optimized from poorly penetrant leads to identify molecules with excellent preclinical pharmacokinetics and CNS penetration. These discoveries led to 17i, a potent, efficacious CNS penetrant molecule with an excellent pharmacokinetic profile across preclinical species, which is well tolerated and is also orally bioavailable in humans.

Identification of novel alpha7 nAChR positive allosteric modulators with the use of pharmacophore in silico screening methods.

The pharmacophore model of in house potent and selective alpha7 nAChR positive allosteric modulators is reported. The model was used to fish out commercially-available compounds from corporate 3D databases. As a result, novel alpha7 positive modulator chemotypes were identified. A rat full PK profile of a representative compound is also described.

6-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-[(methyloxy)methyl]-3-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane: a new potent and selective triple reuptake inhibitor.

A pharmacophore model for triple reuptake inhibitors and the new class of 1-(aryl)-6-[alkoxyalkyl]-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes were recently reported. Further investigation in this area led to the identification of a new series of potent and selective triple reuptake inhibitors endowed with good developability characteristics. Excellent bioavailability and brain penetration are associated with this series of 6-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-[(methyloxy)methyl]-3-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptanes together with high in vitro potency and selectivity at SERT, NET, and DAT. In vivo microdialysis experiments in different animal models and receptor occupancy studies in rat confirmed that derivative 17 showed an appropriate profile to guarantee further progression of the compound.

1-(Aryl)-6-[alkoxyalkyl]-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes and 6-(aryl)-6-[alkoxyalkyl]-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes: a new series of potent and selective triple reuptake inhibitors.

The discovery of new highly potent and selective triple reuptake inhibitors is reported. The new classes of 1-(aryl)-6-[alkoxyalkyl]-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes and 6-(aryl)-6-[alkoxyalkyl]-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes are described together with detailed SAR. Appropriate decoration of the scaffolds was achieved with the help of a triple reuptake inhibitor pharmacophore model detailed here. Selected derivatives showed good oral bioavailability (>30%) and brain penetration (B/B > 4) in rats associated with high in vitro potency and selectivity at SERT, NET, and DAT. Among these compounds, microdialysis and in vivo experiments confirm that derivative 15 has an appropriate developability profile to be considered for further progression.

Cyclopenta[d]pyrimidines and dihydropyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as potent and selective corticotropin-releasing factor 1 receptor antagonists.

Two new classes of potent and selective CRF(1) receptor antagonists are presented. Exploration of general templates 3 and 4 through modifications of the top amine and bottom phenyl substituents led to optimization of the in vitro affinity and pharmacokinetic profiles. The typical alkyl chains present in the top region of CRF(1) antagonists were replaced by substituted heteroaryl moieties, leading to a dramatic improvement of the metabolic stability. This improvement was apparent when the compounds were dosed in vivo: several compounds exhibited low plasma clearance, good oral bioavailability, and high brain penetration. As a consequence of their outstanding pharmacokinetic profiles, these CRF(1) antagonists, as exemplified by compound 4 fi (4-(4-bromo-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-7-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-methyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine), produced a dose-dependent "anxiolytic-like" effect when administered orally, decreasing the vocalization of rat pups.