Antitumor agents. 234. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 4beta-[(4' '-benzamido)-amino]-4'-o-demethyl-epipodophyllotoxin derivatives

A series of 4beta-[(4' '-benzamido)-amino]-4'-O-demethyl-epipodophyllotoxin derivatives (11-23) were designed to enhance DNA topoisomerase II inhibition, overcome drug resistance, and modulate water solubility of etoposide (1) analogues. The target compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their effects against DNA topoisomerase II and KB or 1-resistant KB-7d tumor cells in tissue culture. As compared with 1, most compounds showed superior inhibition against both KB and KB-7d cells. Nine compounds (13-18, 20-22) induced higher levels of cellular protein-linked DNA breaks than did 1. Ten compounds selected from these and related derivatives were further examined for their antitumor spectra and drug-resistance profiles. Like 1, these compounds selectively inhibited the growth of KB (nasopharyngeal) and 1A9 (ovarian) tumor cells. More notably, they retained inhibitory activity against etoposide-, camptothecin-, and paclitaxel-resistant KB or 1A9 subclones. In general, these C(4)-modified new derivatives exhibited superior activity profiles, particularly against drug-resistant cell lines, to those of 1. Preliminary metabolism studies on compounds 16 and 20 revealed that 20 was relatively resistant to metabolism by rat serum and liver enzymes, while 16 was metabolically unstable.

The Discovery of Orally Active Triaminotriazine Aniline Amides as Inhibitors of p38 MAP Kinase

A new structural class of triaminotriazine aniline amides possessing potent p38 enzyme activity has been discovered. The initial hit (compound 1a) was identified through screening the Pharmacopeia ECLiPS compound collection. SAR modification led to the identification of a short acting triaminotriazine aniline methoxyamide (compound 1m) possessing in vitro and in vivo oral activity in animal models of acute and chronic inflammatory disease. An X-ray crystal structure of compound 1m in this class, cocrystallized with unactivated p38 alpha protein, indicates that these compounds bind to the ATP binding pocket and possess key H-bonding interactions within a deeper cleft. Hydrogen bonding between one of the triazine nitrogens and the backbone NH of the Met109 residue occurs through a water molecule. The methoxyamide NH and carbonyl oxygen are within H-bonding distance of Glu71 and Asp168.

Dirhenium Paddlewheel Compounds Supported by N,N‘-Dialkylbenzamidinates: Synthesis, Structures, and Photophysical Properties

Dirhenium(III,III) compounds Re2(DMBA)4Cl2 (1, DMBA=N,N'-dimethylbenzamidinate) and Re2(DEBA)4Cl2 (2, DEBA=N,N'-diethylbenzamidinate) were synthesized via molten reactions between Re2(OAc)4Cl2 and the corresponding amidine. Re2(DMBA)4(NO3)2 (3) was obtained through reacting Re2(DMBA)4Cl2 with AgNO3. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the Re-Re distances in compounds 1-3 are 2.212(1), 2.217(1), and 2.173(1) A, respectively, which are consistent with the presence of a Re-Re quadruple bond. Voltammetric studies revealed that compound 2 exhibits two quasireversible couples, an oxidation and a reduction, and an irreversible reduction, while compound 1 displays irreversible couples at similar potentials. The three complexes exhibit 1deltadelta* absorption as a shoulder at approximately 440 nm (epsilon approximately 1500 M(-1) cm(-1)). Upon excitation of solid samples or CH2Cl2 solutions of 2 with visible light, emission is observed at 824 nm (77 K) and 833 nm (298 K), respectively. The luminescence is assigned as arising from the 3deltadelta* excited state.

Parallel methods for the preparation and SAR exploration of N-ethyl-4-[(8-alkyl-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-ylidene)-aryl-methyl]-benzamides, powerful mu and delta opioid agonists

Two parallel synthetic methods were developed to explore the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of a series of potent opioid agonists. This series of tropanylidene benzamides proved extremely tolerant of structural variation while maintaining excellent opioid activity. Evaluation of several representative compounds from this series in the mouse hot plate test revealed potent antinociceptive effects upon oral administration.

Azaadamantane benzamide 5-HT4 agonists: gastrointestinal prokinetic SC-54750

Azaadamantanone 1 was converted to a series of aminoazaadamantane benzamides 9a-d, which were profiled for serotonin receptor activity. Aminomethylazaadamantane SC-54750 is a potent 5-HT(4) agonist and 5-HT(3) antagonist with in vivo efficacy in gastroparesis models and also inhibits cisplatin-induced emesis.

Synthesis and Potent Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel 4-(5, 6-Dichloro-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-N-substituted Benzamides

A series of 4-(5, 6-dichloro-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-N-substituted benzamides were synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activities against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant S. epidermis (MRSE), Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Certain compounds inhibit bacterial growth with low MIC values (microg/mL). Among them, compounds 10 and 11 exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity with MIC values of 3.12 microg/mL against S. aureus, MRSA and MRSE.

Synthesis of some new 5-(2-substituted-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-2-hydroxy benzamides and their 2-alkoxy derivatives as possible antifungal agents

The 2-hydroxy-5-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl) benzamide (4a), 5-(2-amino-1, 3-thiazol-5-yl)-2-hydroxy benzamide (4b), 2-hydroxy-5-(2-alkyl-1,3-Thiazol-5-yl) benzamide (4c and 4d), 5-(2-[(N-substituted aryl)amino]-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)2-hydroxy benzamides (6a-j) were prepared by reacting 5-(bromoacetyl) salicylamide (2) with thiourea, thioformamide, thioalkylamide (3c-d) and substituted thioureas (5a-j) in absolute ethanol. These compounds were converted to 5-(2-substituted-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-2-alkoxybenzamides and 5-(2-N-(substituted aryl)-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-2-alkoxy benzamides (8a-g) by reacting with n-alkylbromides (7a-b) in presence of a base. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, (1)H-NMR and mass spectral data. Compounds were also screened for their antifungal activity.

4-Acylamino-and 4-ureidobenzamides as melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) receptor 1 antagonists

Synthesis, in vitro biological evaluation and structure-activity relationships of 4-acylamino-and 4-ureidobenzamides as novel hMCH1R-antagonists are disclosed. The nature of the amine side chains could be varied considerably in contrast to the central benzamide scaffold and aromatic substituents.

Synthesis of Analogues of Congo Red and Evaluation of Their Anti-Prion Activity

No cure as of yet exists for any of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. In this paper, we describe the synthesis of analogues of Congo red and evaluation against a cellular model of infection, the SMB (scrapie mouse brain) persistently infected cell line, for their ability to inhibit the infectivity of the abnormal form of prion protein (PrP-res). The compounds have also been tested for their ability to inhibit the polymerization of PrPC by PrP-res. A number of analogues showed inhibition of PrP-res infectivity at nanomolar concentrations. Several analogues show promise; the most active compound, 2a, inhibits the formation of PrP-res in SMB cells with an EC50 of 25-50 nM.

Self-Condensation of N-tert-Butanesulfinyl Aldimines: Application to the Rapid Asymmetric Synthesis of Biologically Important Amine-Containing Compounds

[reaction: see text] Highly diastereoselective intra- and intermolecular self-condensation reactions of N-tert-butanesulfinyl aldimines have been developed and applied to the rapid, asymmetric synthesis of trans-2-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid and the drug candidate SC-53116. Key to both syntheses is a novel microwave-assisted reaction in which N-sulfinyl aldimines are cleanly converted into nitriles in high-yielding concerted elimination processes.

FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic studies of salicylic acid derivatives. II. Comparison of 2-hydroxy- and 2,4- and 2,5-dihydroxy derivatives

The 2,4- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzamides (8, 9) were synthesized from their corresponding methyl esters. The structures and the spectral properties of investigated salicylic acid (1), 2,4- and 2,5-dihydroxy benzoic acids (2, 3), their methyl esters (4-6) and amides (7-9) were analyzed by means of FT-IR and one- and two-dimensional homo- and heteronuclear 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies. Comparison of FT-IR and NMR spectral data of investigated compounds showed that the spectral characteristics of 2,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid derivatives are more similar to those of 2-hydroxy benzoic acid (salicylic acid) derivatives than to those of 2,5-dihydroxy benzoic acid derivatives. The results suggest that the spatial orientation of amide protons in 2,4-dihydroxy benzamide resembles more that in salicylamide than that in 2,5-dihydroxy benzamide.

Design and synthesis of substituted N-methylbenzamide analogues derived from SR 48,968 as neurokinin-2 receptor antagonists

A series of N-methylbenzamide analogues (2-18) that is structurally derived from SR 48,968, a potent neurokinin-2 (NK(2)) receptor antagonist (pK(b)9.1), has been obtained using asymmetric synthesis. Isothiocyanato-N-methylbenzamide (10-12) and bromoacetamido-N-methylbenzamide derivatives (16-18) have been designed to serve as potential electrophilic affinity labels. Nitro-N-methylbenzamide (4-6) and acetamido-N-methylbenzamide (13-15) were designed to serve as the nonelectrophilic controls for these ligands. Functional assay results using guinea pig trachea indicate that electrophilic N-methylbenzamide analogues exhibit potent but surmountable NK(2) receptor antagonist activity. Several members of this series (2, 3, 7-9) exhibit potent NK(2) receptor antagonist potencies with pK(b) values in the range of 9.1-9.7. para-Fluoro substituted analogue 3 was found to be highly potent with a pK(b) of 9.7.

A novel nonpeptide ligand for formyl peptide receptor-like 1

Formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that binds natural and synthetic peptides as well as lipoxin A(4) and mediates important biological functions. To facilitate its pharmacological characterization, we screened a compound library and identified a substituted quinazolinone (Quin-C1, 4-butoxy-N-[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-yl]-benzamide) as a ligand for FPRL1. Quin-C1 induces chemotaxis and secretion of beta-glucuronidase in peripheral blood neutrophils with a potency of approximately 1/1000 of that of the peptide agonist WKYMVm. In studies using transfected rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cell lines expressing either formyl peptide receptor or FPRL1, Quin-C1 induced enzyme release from RBL-FPRL1 but not RBL-FPR cells. Likewise, Quin-C1 selectively stimulates calcium mobilization in RBL-FPRL1 cells, a response that was markedly inhibited by pertussis toxin. Quin-C1 also stimulates phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 and induces internalization of an FPRL1 fused to green fluorescent protein. In degranulation assays, both the FPRL1-selective peptide agonist MMK1 and Quin-C1 exhibited lower efficacy and potency than WKYMVm, with EC(50) values of 7.17 x 10(-8) M and 1.88 x 10(-6) M, respectively, compared with the EC(50) value for WKYMVm (2.29 x 10(-8) M). However, Quin-C1 did not induce neutrophil superoxide generation at up to 100 microM. Based on these results, we conclude that Quin-C1 is a novel nonpeptide ligand that binds to FPRL1 and selectively stimulates FPRL1-mediated functions. Quin-C1 is a prototype of substituted quinazolinones based on which further structural modifications may be made to improve its efficacy and potency for FPRL1.

Identification, synthesis, and characterization of new glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors binding to the allosteric AMP site

Inhibition of glycogen phosphorylase (GP) has attracted considerable attention during the last five to 10 years as a means of treating the elevated hepatic glucose production seen in patients with type 2 diabetes. Several different GP inhibitors binding to various binding sites of the GP enzyme have been reported in the literature. In this paper we report on a novel class of compounds that have been identified as potent GP inhibitors. Their synthesis, mode of binding to the allosteric AMP site as well as in vitro data on GP inhibition are shown. The most potent inhibitor was found to be 4-[2,4-bis-(3-nitrobenzoylamino)phenoxy]phthalic acid (4j) with an IC(50) value of 74 nM. This compound together with a closely related analogue was further characterized by enzyme kinetics and in primary rat hepatocytes.

Potent histone deacetylase inhibitors: N-hydroxybenzamides with antitumor activities

The screening tests of N-hydroxybenzamides for their HDAC-inhibitory activities led to the discovery of the promising compounds with a 2-naphthylcarbonyl group and with a 1,4-biphenylcarbonyl group. These compounds were further modified to optimize their physico-chemical profile. As a result, the inhibitor with a 6-amino-2-naphthylcarbonyl was obtained, which showed not only promising growth inhibitions against a panel of tumor cells, but also an improved water solubility. It exhibited the maximal 185% of survival rate (%T/C) in a in vivo experiment with P388 cell-inoculated mice.

2,5-disubstituted 3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]thiazepines as potent and selective V2 arginine vasopressin receptor antagonists

A number of 2,5-disubstituted benzothiazepines were synthesized and screened for their ability to inhibit arginine vasopressin binding to the human V(2) and V(1a) receptor subtypes. The more active compounds were subsequently analyzed for their antagonist activity in in vitro functional assays. The SAR showed a preference for an acidic unit appended from the benzothiazepine scaffold. This substitution pattern afforded the most potent and selective analogues in the series. The carboxymethyl analogue 4, showed a 140-fold greater selectivity for the V(2) over the V(1a) receptor in the binding assay. In the cell-based functional assays this analogue was a potent and selective antagonist of the V(2) receptor. The in vitro SAR of the series and a description of the in vivo studies around compound 4 is described.

Benzamides and benzamidines as specific inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor and v-Src protein tyrosine kinases

The benzamides 1 and the benzamidines 2 as well as the cyclic benzamidines 3 were designed and synthesized as the mimics of 4-anilinoquinazolines for an inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase. The specific inhibitions of EGFR tyrosine kinase were observed in the benzamides 1c and 1d, and the benzamidine 2a, whereas the specific inhibitions of v-Src kinase were observed in the benzamide 1j and the benzamidine 2d at a 10microg/mL concentration of compounds. The cyclic benzamidines 3a and 3b showed potent kinase inhibition of EGFR at a 1.0microg/mL concentration. According to the docking simulation using the X-ray structure of EGFR kinase domain in complex with erlotinib, the LigScore2 scoring function value of erlotinib was calculated as 5.61, whereas that of the benzamide 1c was 5.05. In a similar manner, the LigScore2 value of the cyclic benzamidine 3a was calculated as 5.10.

Z-338. Zeria/Yamanouchi

Zeria and Yamanouchi are co-developing Z-338, a thiazole-4-carboxamide derivative with prokinetic activities, as a potential treatment for dyspepsia and gastric motility disorders. This compound is currently in phase II clinical trials.

Aziridinyldinitrobenzamides: Synthesis and Structure−Activity Relationships for Activation by E. coli Nitroreductase

The 5-aziridinyl-2,4-dinitrobenzamide CB 1954 is a substrate for the oxygen-insensitive nitroreductase (NTR) from E. coli and is in clinical trial in combination with NTR-armed adenoviral vectors in a GDEPT protocol; CB 1954 is also of interest for selective deletion of NTR-marked cells in normal tissues. Since little further drug development has been carried out around this lead, we report here the synthesis of more soluble variants and regioisomers and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. The compounds were primarily prepared from the corresponding chloro(di)nitroacids through amide side chain elaboration and subsequent aziridine formation. One-electron reduction potentials [E(1)], determined by pulse radiolysis, were around -400 mV, varying little for aziridinyldinitrobenzamide regioisomers. Cytotoxicity in a panel of NTR-transfected cell lines showed that in the CB 1954 series there was considerable tolerance of substituted CONHR side chains. The isomeric 2-aziridinyl-3,5-dinitrobenzamide was also selective toward NTR+ve lines but was approximately 10-fold less potent than CB 1954. Other regioisomers were too insoluble to evaluate. While CB 1954 gave both 2- and 4-hydroxylamine metabolites in NTR+ve cells, related analogues with substituted carboxamides gave only a single hydroxylamine metabolite possibly because the steric bulk in the side chain constrains binding within the active site. CB 1954 is also a substrate for the two-electron reductase DT-diaphorase, but all of the other aziridines (regioisomers and close analogues) were poorer substrates with resulting improved specificity for NTR. Bystander effects were determined in multicellular layer cocultures and showed that the more hydrophilic side chains resulted in a modest reduction in bystander killing efficiency. A limited number of analogues were tested for in vivo activity, using a single ip dose to CD-1 nude mice bearing WiDr-NTR(neo) tumors. The most active of the CB 1954 analogues was a diol derivative, which showed a substantial median tumor growth delay (59 days compared with >85 days for CB 1954) in WiDr xenografts comprising 50% NTR+ve cells. The diol is much more soluble and can be formulated in saline for administration. The results suggest there may be advantages with carefully selected analogues of CB 1954; the weaker bystander effect of its diol derivative may be an advantage in the selective cell ablation of NTR-tagged cells in normal tissues.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of benzamides and benzamidines: structural requirement of a pyrimidine ring for inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase

The benzamides 1 and the benzamidines 2-3 were synthesized as the mimics of 4-anilinoquinazolines, which possess inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase, and tested for cytotoxicity toward A431 and inhibitory activity toward autophosphorylation by the enzyme assay. High cell growth inhibition was observed in a series of the cyclic benzamides 3: the IC(50) values are 0.09-0.32 mM. The benzamidines 3a and 3b exhibited high inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase at a 1.0 microM concentration, although the benzamides 1 and the benzamidines 2 did not show significant kinase inhibition at a 10 microM concentration.

Synthesis and pharmacological properties of benzamide derivatives as selective serotonin 4 receptor agonists

A series of 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy-N-(piperidin-4-ylmethyl)benzamides with a polar substituent group at the 1-position of the piperidine ring was synthesized and evaluated for its effect on gastrointestinal motility. The benzoyl, phenylsulfonyl, and benzylsulfonyl derivatives accelerated gastric emptying and increased the frequency of defecation. One of them, 4-amino-N-[1-[3-(benzylsulfonyl)propyl]piperidin-4-ylmethyl]-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (13a, Y-36912), was a selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist offering potential as a novel prokinetic with reduced side effects derived from 5-HT3- and dopamine D2 receptor-binding affinity. In the oral route of administration, this compound enhanced gastric emptying and defecation in mice, and has a possibility as a prokinetic agent, which is effective on both the upper and the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-thieno[3,2-b]azepine derivatives: novel arginine vasopressin antagonists

A variety of novel heterocyclic compounds having thienoazepine, pyrroloazepine, furoazepine, and thienodiazepine skeletons were synthesized, most of which exhibited potent antagonism of [(3)H]-AVP specific binding in assays using rat liver (V1), rat kidney (V2), human platelet plasma membranes, and recombinant human CHO cells (V2), as well as antagonizing AVP-induced hypertension in rats (V1, intravenous) and showing a diuretic effect in rats (V2, oral). By detailed studies of the structure-activity relationships of these compounds, the thienoazepine derivative 1 was found to be a very potent combined V1 and V2 antagonist. After further pharmacological and toxicological evaluation as well as physical properties, the hydrochloride 2 (JTV-605) of compound 1 was selected for clinical studies as a potent AVP antagonist with a long duration of action.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-(4-substituted-phenyl)-N-hydroxy-2-propenamides, a new class of histone deacetylase inhibitors

Inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been shown to induce differentiation and/or apoptosis of human tumor cells. Novel 3-(4-substituted-phenyl)-N-hydroxy-2-propenamides have been prepared as a new class of HDAC inhibitors and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity and HDAC inhibitory activity. Incorporation of a 1,4-phenylene carboxamide linker, shown by 5, and a 4-(dimethylamino)phenyl or 4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl group as a cap substructure generated highly potent hydroxamic acid-based HDAC inhibitors 5a and 5b.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of 4-[(4-Cyano-2-arylbenzyloxy)-(3-methyl-3H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzonitriles as Potent and Selective Farnesyltransferase Inhibitors

A novel series of 4-[(4-cyano-2-arylbenzyloxy)-(3-methyl-3H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzonitriles have been synthesized as selective farnesyltransferase inhibitors using structure-based design. X-ray cocrystal structures of compound 20-FTase-HFP and A313326-FTase-HFP confirmed our initial design. The decreased interaction between the aryl groups and Ser 48 in GGTase-I binding site could be one possible reason to explain the improved selectivity for this new series of FTase inhibitors. Medicinal chemistry efforts led to the discovery of compound 64 with potent cellular activity (EC(50) = 3.5 nM) and outstanding pharmacokinetic profiles in dog (96% bioavailable, 18.4 h oral t(1/2), and 0.19 L/(h x kg) plasma clearance).