Biphenyl-substituted oxazolidinones as cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors: modifications of the oxazolidinone ring leading to the discovery of anacetrapib.

The development of the structure-activity studies leading to the discovery of anacetrapib is described. These studies focused on varying the substitution of the oxazolidinone ring of the 5-aryloxazolidinone system. Specifically, it was found that substitution of the 4-position with a methyl group with the cis-stereochemistry relative to the 5-aryl group afforded compounds with increased cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibition potency and a robust in vivo effect on increasing HDL-C levels in transgenic mice expressing cynomolgus monkey CETP.

Novel pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-based inhibitors of Staphlococcus aureus DNA polymerase III: design, synthesis, and biological evaluation.

6-Anilinopyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-ones are novel dGTP analogues that inhibit the replication-specific enzyme DNA polymerase III (DNA pol III) of Staphlococcus aureus and other Gram-positive (Gr+) bacteria. To enhance the potential of these inhibitors as antimicrobial agents, a structure-activity relationship was developed involving substitutions at the 2, 4, and pyrazolo NH positions. All of the new inhibitors were tested for their ability to inhibit S. aureus DNA pol III and the growth of several other Gr+ bacteria in culture. 2-Anilino groups with small hydrophobic groups in the meta or para position enhanced both antipolymerase and antimicrobial activity. 2-Benzyl-substituted inhibitors were substantially less active. Substitution in the 4-position by oxygen gave the optimal activity, whereas substitution at the pyrazolo NH was not tolerated. These pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives represent a novel class of antimicrobials with promising activities against Gr+ bacteria.