Benzimidazoles as benzamide replacements within cyclohexane-based CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) antagonists

Highly functionalized heterogeneous dendrigraft catalysts with peripheral copper moieties for the facile synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles and 2,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles

A highly functionalized heterogeneous copper loaded dendrigraft amidoamine catalyst for the synthesis of 2-substituted and 2,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles is reported.

Selective and Dual Targeting of CCR2 and CCR5 Receptors: A Current Overview

The chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) are important mediators of leukocyte trafficking in inflammatory processes. The emerging evidence for a role of CCR2 and CCR5 receptors in human inflammatory diseases led to a growing interest in CCR2- and CCR5-selective antagonists. In this review, we focus on the recent development of selective CCR2/CCR5 receptor ligands and dual antagonists. Several compounds targeting CCR2, e.g., INCB8761 and MK0812, were developed as promising candidates for clinical trials, but failed to show clinical efficacy as presumed from preclinical models. The role of CCR5 receptors as the second co-receptor for the HIV-host cell fusion led to the development of various CCR5-selective ligands. Maraviroc is the first CCR5-targeting drug for the treatment of HIV-1 infections on the market. The role of CCR5 receptors in the progression of inflammatory processes fueled the use of CCR5 antagonists for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, the use of maraviroc for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis failed due to its inefficacy. Some of the ligands, e.g., TAK-779 and TAK-652, were also found to be dual antagonists of CCR2 and CCR5 receptors. The fact that CCR2 and CCR5 receptor antagonists contribute to the treatment of inflammatory diseases renders the development of dual antagonists as promising novel therapeutic strategy.

Progress in the discovery of CC chemokine receptor 2 antagonists, 2009 - 2012

INTRODUCTION

CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is a key mediator of the activation and migration of inflammatory monocytes. As such, it has been investigated extensively as a target for therapeutic intervention in a diverse range of diseases.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews both the patent and peer-reviewed literature on the discovery of CCR2 antagonists from January 2009 to December 2012. Developments have occurred within each of the major chemical families of CCR2 antagonists, and are framed in that context. As has been true historically, a number of the compound families also exhibit substantial activity against the related CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), making them formally CCR2/5-dual antagonists.

EXPERT OPINION

Significant progress continues to be made in identifying novel, potent CCR2 antagonists. In addition, researchers have had success in addressing issues related to selectivity, cardiac safety, and preclinical pharmacokinetics. Establishing proof-of-concept in clinical trials remains the primary challenge for the field.