1H-NMR and 13C-NMR dataset for some oxidative metabolites of CRA13 and their analogs

Untapped endocannabinoid pharmacological targets: Pipe dream or pipeline?

It has been established that the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system plays key modulatory roles in a wide variety of pathological conditions. The endocannabinoid system comprises both cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands including 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), N-arachidonylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA), and enzymes that regulate the synthesis and degradation of endogenous ligands which include diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGL-α), diacylglycerol lipase beta (DAGL-β), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), α/β hydrolase domain 6 (ABHD6). As the endocannabinoid system exerts considerable involvement in the regulation of homeostasis and disease, much effort has been made towards understanding endocannabinoid-related mechanisms of action at cellular, physiological, and pathological levels as well as harnessing the various components of the endocannabinoid system to produce novel therapeutics. However, drug discovery efforts within the cannabinoid field have been slower than anticipated to reach satisfactory clinical endpoints and raises an important question into the validity of developing novel ligands that therapeutically target the endocannabinoid system. To answer this, we will first examine evidence that supports the existence of an endocannabinoid system role within inflammatory diseases, neurodegeneration, pain, substance use disorders, mood disorders, as well as metabolic diseases. Next, this review will discuss recent clinical studies, within the last 5 years, of cannabinoid compounds in context to these diseases. We will also address some of the challenges and considerations within the cannabinoid field that may be important in the advancement of therapeutics into the clinic.

Fluorinated CRA13 analogues: Synthesis, in vitro evaluation, radiosynthesis, in silico and in vivo PET study

Fluorine is a unique atom that imparts distinct properties to bioactive molecules upon incorporation. Herein, we prepare and study fluorinated derivatives of the nanomolar affine peripherally restricted dual CB₁R/CB₂R agonist; CRA13 and its analogs. Binding affinity evaluation relative to CRA13 proved the stronger binding affinity of compound 7c to CB₁R and CB₂R by 6.95 and 5.64 folds. Physicochemical properties evaluation proved compound 7c improved lipophilicity profile suggesting some enhanced BBB penetration relative to CRA13. Radiosynthesis of ¹⁸F-labeled compound 7c was conducted conveniently affording pure hot ligand. In vivo PET study investigation demonstrated efficient distribution of ¹⁸F-labeled compound 7c in peripheral tissues visualizing peripheral CB₁R/CB₂R generating time-activity-curves showing good standard uptake values. Despite enhanced BBB penetration and increased cannabinoid receptors binding affinity, low brain uptake of 7c was observed. In silico docking study explained the measured binding affinities of compounds 7a-d to CB₁R. While most of previous efforts aimed to develop central cannabinoid PET imaging agents, ¹⁸F-labeled compound 7c might be a promising agent serving as a universal CB₁R/CB₂R PET imaging agents for diagnosis and therapy of various diseases correlated with peripheral cannabinoid system. It might also serve as a lead compound for development of PET imaging of peripheral and central cannabinoid systems.