Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 5-oxo-2-thioxoimidazolidine derivatives as potent androgen receptor antagonists.

A series of novel highly active androgen receptor (AR) antagonists containing spiro-4-(5-oxo-3-phenyl-2-thioxoimidazolidin-1-yl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile core was designed based on the SAR studies available from the reported AR antagonists and in silico modeling. Within the series, compound (R)-6 (ONC1-13B) and its related analogues, including its active N-dealkylated metabolite, were found to be the most potent molecules with the target activity (IC50, androgen-sensitive human PCa LNCaP cells) in the range of 59-80 nM (inhibition of PSA production). The disclosed hits were at least two times more active than bicalutamide, nilutamide and enzalutamide within the performed assay. Several compounds were classified as partial agonists. Hit-compounds demonstrated benefit pharmacokinetic profiles in rats. Comparative SAR and 3D molecular docking studies were performed for the hit compounds elucidating the observed differences in the binding potency.

Preclinical Development of ONC1-13B, Novel Antiandrogen for Prostate Cancer Treatment.

Recently new drugs targeting androgen-dependent axis have been approved for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) - Zytiga and Xtandi (formerly MDV3100), several other candidates (for example, ARN-509) are in early phases of clinical trials. However despite significant improvement in overall survival with new treatments it is evident that resistance to these drugs develops. One of the approaches to overcome it is combination therapy and from this point of view some potential for drug-drug interactions can limit the application of the drug. We describe here the preclinical development of ONC1-13B, antagonist of androgen receptor, with similar to MDV3100 and ARN-509 mechanism of action. It efficiently inhibits DHT-stimulated PSA expression and proliferation of prostate cancer cells, prevents binding of androgens to the AR ligand-binding domain, androgen-stimulated AR nuclear translocation and coactivator complex formation. In the LnCaP-Z2 xenograft model of prostate cancer ONC1-13B inhibits tumor growth and suppresses PSA expression. The in vivo activity of ONC1-13B is comparable to that of MDV3100 at similar doses, and even higher, calculated per unit of concentration in plasma. Distribution of ONC1-13B to the brain is less than that shown for MDV3100 and ARN-509, decreasing the risk of GABA-related seizure development. Additionally ONC1-13B induces significantly lower in vitro CYP3A activity than for example MDV3100 (known strong CYP3A inducer) or ARN-509 and could be well suited for co-therapy with drugs that are known CYP3A substrates. Thus ONC1-13B is a new promising antiandrogen demonstrating high efficacy in a preclinical model of prostate cancer, with lower potential for seizures and drug-drug interaction.

Antagonists of 5-HT6 receptors. Substituted 3-(phenylsulfonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidines and 3-(phenylsulfonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidines-Synthesis and 'structure-activity' relationship.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of structurally unrestricted and intramolecular hydrogen bond restricted derivatives of 3-(phenylsulfonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidines (angular tricyclics) and 3-(phenylsulfonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidines (linear tricyclics) are described. Structurally restricted derivatives are highly potent and selective blockers of 5-HT(6) receptors with little difference between angular or linear shape of the tricyclic core, the angular species being only slightly more potent. The angular representative of 3-(phenylsulfonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidines, 5, can be considered as more favorable candidate for further development as it shows only weak 5-HT(2B) blocking activity (IC(50)=6.16 µM as compared with IC(50)=1.8 nM for 5-HT(6) receptors) and very low hERG potassium channel blocking potency (IC(50)=54.2 µM). The linear analog, 11, is less favorable as while showing no binding to the 5-HT(2B) receptor at concentrations of up to 10 µM, it exhibits quite a high potency to block the hERG channel (IC(50)=0.5 µM).

(3-Phenylsulfonylcycloalkano[e and d]pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)amines: potent and selective antagonists of the serotonin 5-HT6 receptor.

5-HT(6) receptors are exclusively localized in the CNS and have high affinity with many psychotropic agents. Though the role of this receptor in many CNS diseases is widely anticipated, lack of definite progress in the development of 5-HT(6) receptor-oriented drugs indicates a need for further discoveries of novel chemotypes with high potency and high selectivity to the receptor. Here we present preparations and biological evaluation of a series of (3-phenylsulfonylcycloalkano[e and d]pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)amines. Phenylsulfonylcyclopentapyrazolopyrimidine 7 was found to be a highly selective 5-HT(6) receptor antagonist with high affinity (low picomolar range) and potency. 7 and a few of its analogues were further tested for biological effect on 5-HT(2B) receptors and hERG potassium channels, potential liability targets. Such liability appears to be minimal, based on the in vitro data.