β-Lactam Preparation via Staudinger Reaction with Activated Dimethylsulfoxide

Dicarboxylic Acid Monoesters in β- and δ-Lactam Synthesis

A N-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)-N-(phenylsulfonyl)glycine monomethyl ester of the respective dicarboxylic acid was involved in a reaction with imines promoted by acetic anhydride at an elevated temperature. Instead of the initially expected δ-lactam products of the Castagnoli–Cushman-type reaction, medicinally important 3-amino-2-azetidinones were obtained as the result of cyclization, involving a methylene group adjacent to an acid moiety. In contrast, replacing alcohol residue with hexafluoroisopropyl in the same substrate made another methylene group (adjacent to the ester moiety) more reactive to furnishing the desired δ-lactam in the Castagnoli–Cushman fashion.

Discovery of BMS-986235/LAR-1219: A Potent Formyl Peptide Receptor 2 (FPR2) Selective Agonist for the Prevention of Heart Failure

Formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) agonists can stimulate resolution of inflammation and may have utility for treatment of diseases caused by chronic inflammation, including heart failure. We report the discovery of a potent and selective FPR2 agonist and its evaluation in a mouse heart failure model. A simple linear urea with moderate agonist activity served as the starting point for optimization. Introduction of a pyrrolidinone core accessed a rigid conformation that produced potent FPR2 and FPR1 agonists. Optimization of lactam substituents led to the discovery of the FPR2 selective agonist 13c, BMS-986235/LAR-1219. In cellular assays 13c inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis and stimulated macrophage phagocytosis, key end points to promote resolution of inflammation. Cardiac structure and functional improvements were observed in a mouse heart failure model following treatment with BMS-986235/LAR-1219.