3-Cyano-6-(5-methyl-3-pyrazoloamino)pyridines: selective Aurora A kinase inhibitors.

A new class of Aurora A kinase inhibitor was created by transforming 4-(5-methyl-3-pyrazoloamino)pyrimidine moiety of VX-680 to 3-cyano-6-(5-methyl-3pyrazoloamino)pyridine. Compound 6 exhibited a potent Aurora A kinase inhibitory activity, excellent selectivity to Aurora B kinase and other 60 kinases, good cell permeability and good PK profile. Therefore compound 6 was effective in antitumor mice model at a dose of 30 mg/kg po qd without decrease of body weight.