Total synthesis of A-315675: a potent inhibitor of influenza neuraminidase

My 50-Plus Years of Academic Research Collaborations with Industry. A Retrospective

A retrospective is presented highlighting the synthesis of selected "first-in-kind" natural products, their synthetic analogues, structure elucidations, and rationally designed bioactive synthetic compounds that were accomplished because of collaborations with past and present pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies. Medicinal chemistry projects involving structure-based design exploiting cocrystal structures of small molecules with biologically relevant enzymes, receptors, and bacterial ribosomes with synthetic small molecules leading to marketed products, clinical candidates, and novel drug prototypes were realized in collaboration. Personal reflections, historical insights, behind the scenes stories from various long-term projects are shared in this retrospective article.

Amino Acid and Peptide-Based Antiviral Agents

A significant number of antiviral agents used in clinical practice are amino acids, short peptides, or peptidomimetics. Among them, several HIV protease inhibitors (e. g. lopinavir, atazanavir), HCV protease inhibitors (e. g. grazoprevir, glecaprevir), and HCV NS5A protein inhibitors have contributed to a significant decrease in mortality from AIDS and hepatitis. However, there is an ongoing need for the discovery of new antiviral agents and the development of existing drugs; amino acids, both proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic in nature, serve as convenient building blocks for this purpose. The synthesis of non-proteinogenic amino acid components of antiviral agents could be challenging due to the need for enantiomerically or diastereomerically pure products. Herein, we present a concise review of antiviral agents whose structures are based on amino acids of both natural and unnatural origin. Special attention is paid to the synthetic aspects of non-proteinogenic amino acid components of those agents.

Selected β2-, β3- and β2,3-Amino Acid Heterocyclic Derivatives and Their Biological Perspective

Heterocyclic moieties, especially five and six-membered rings containing nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms, are broadly distributed in nature. Among them, synthetic and natural alike are pharmacologically active compounds and have always been at the forefront of attention due to their pharmacological properties. Heterocycles can be divided into different groups based on the presence of characteristic structural motifs. The presence of β-amino acid and heterocyclic core in one compound is very interesting; additionally, it very often plays a vital role in their biological activity. Usually, such compounds are not considered to be chemicals containing a β-amino acid motif; however, considering them as this class of compounds may open new routes of their preparation and application as new drug precursors or even drugs. The possibility of their application as nonproteinogenic amino acid residues in peptide or peptide derivatives synthesis to prepare a new class of compounds is also promising. This review highlights the actual state of knowledge about β-amino acid moiety-containing heterocycles presenting antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial compounds, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors, as well as agonist and antagonists of the receptors.

Three-Step Telescoped Synthesis of Monosubstituted Vicinal Diamines from Aldehydes

Aldehydes are easily transformed into vicinal diamines and piperazines through a one-pot procedure including a Darzens reaction and treatment with an amine or diamine and then with a reducing agent. Additionally, quinoxalines can be accessed by reaction with 1,2-benzenediamine under oxidative conditions. These transformations are simple methods for the preparation of synthetically interesting monosubstituted diamines, piperazines, and quinoxalines.

A Novel Natural Influenza A H1N1 Virus Neuraminidase Inhibitory Peptide Derived from Cod Skin Hydrolysates and Its Antiviral Mechanism

In this paper, a novel natural influenza A H1N1 virus neuraminidase (NA) inhibitory peptide derived from cod skin hydrolysates was purified and its antiviral mechanism was explored. From the hydrolysates, novel efficient NA-inhibitory peptides were purified by a sequential approach utilizing an ultrafiltration membrane (5000 Da), sephadex G-15 gel column and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The amino acid sequence of the pure peptide was determined by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FTICR-MS) was PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL, with a molecular weight of 2163 Da. The analysis of the Lineweacer–Burk model indicated that the peptide was a competitive NA inhibitor with Ki of 0.29 mM and could directly bind free enzymes. In addition, docking studies suggested that hydrogen binding might be the driving force for the binding affinity of PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL to NA. The cytopathic effect reduction assay showed that the peptide PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL protected Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells from viral infection and reduced the viral production in a dose-dependent manner. The EC₅₀ value was 471 ± 12 μg/mL against H1N1. Time-course analysis showed that PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL inhibited influenza virus in the early stage of the infectious cycle. The virus titers assay indicated that the NA-inhibitory peptide PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL could directly affect the virus toxicity and adsorption by host cells, further proving that the peptide had an anti-viral effect with multiple target sites. The activity of NA-inhibitory peptide was almost inactivated during the simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, suggesting that oral administration is not recommended. The peptide PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL acts as a neuraminidase blocker to inhibit influenza A virus in MDCK cells. Thus, the peptide PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL has potential utility in the treatment of the influenza virus infection.

Stereo- and Regioselective Synthesis of 4-Vinylpyrrolidine from N-Tethered Alkyne-Alkenol

Indium(III) chloride can be efficiently used for the synthesis of 4-vinylpyrrolidine from N-tethered alkyne-alkenol in good yields. The reaction is highly stereo- and regioselective.

Design, Synthesis, and Molecular Docking of Novel Pyrrolooxazepinediol Derivatives with Anti-Influenza Neuraminidase Activity

A series of novel pyrrolo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazepine-8,9-diol derivatives 12-15 were synthesized starting from l-tartaric acid, which was transformed into anhydride which then reacted with allylamine in xylene to afford the imide 2. The target molecules 12-15 were achieved via ring-closing metathesis with the Grubbs catalyst, followed by reduction of the carbonyl group and deprotection of hydroxyl groups. Finally, catalytic hydrogenation of the double bond afforded the title compounds 12-15. Molecular docking study of the title compounds 12-15 was carried out against neuraminidase as the target enzyme, in an attempt to understand the mechanism of action of the tested compounds as potential neuraminidase inhibitors. Molecular docking of the target compounds showed that all tested compounds bind to the active site of neuraminidase, with moderate to high binding energy. Compounds 12-15 were examined for their antiviral activity against H5N1 virus (A/chicken/Egypt/1/2008). Oseltamivir phosphate was used as a control for antiviral activity. The results show that compound 12 (EC₅₀  = 0.016 μg/mL) exhibited potent anti-influenza (H5N1) activity, which approximately equals that of oseltamivir (EC₅₀  = 0.012 μg/mL). Also, it had a therapeutic index similar to that of oseltamivir phosphate (∼20). The data also revealed that compounds 13, 14, and 15 had slightly lower antiviral activity and lower cytotoxicity than oseltamivir phosphate, with LD₅₀ of 0.188, 0.162, and 0.176 μg/mL, respectively. However, 13, 14, and 15 had lower therapeutic indices than 12. In conclusion, we were able to synthesize cheap and potent anti-H5N1 compounds.

Catalytic diamination of olefins via N-N bond activation

Vicinal diamines are important structural motifs present in various biologically and chemically significant molecules. Direct diamination of olefins provides an effective approach to this class of compounds. Unlike well-established oxidation processes such as epoxidation, dihydroxylation, and aminohydroxylation, direct diamination of olefins had remained a long-standing challenge and had been less well developed.

In this Account, we summarize our recent studies on Pd(0)- and Cu(I)-catalyzed diaminations of olefins using di-tert-butyldiaziridinone and its related analogues as nitrogen sources via N–N bond activation. A wide variety of imidazolidinones, cyclic sulfamides, indolines, imidazolinones, and cyclic guanidines can be obtained from conjugated dienes and terminal olefins. For conjugated dienes, the diamination proceeds regioselectively at the internal double bond with the Pd(0) catalyst. Mechanistic studies show that the diamination likely involves a four-membered Pd(II) species resulting from the insertion of Pd(0) into the N–N bond of di-tert-butyldiaziridinone. Interestingly, the Cu(I)-catalyzed process occurs regioselectively at either the terminal or internal double bond depending on the reaction conditions via two mechanistically distinct pathways. The Cu(I) catalyst cleaves the N–N bond of di-tert-butyldiaziridinone to form a Cu(II) nitrogen radical and a four-membered Cu(III) species, which are likely in rapid equilibrium. The Cu(II) nitrogen radical and the four-membered Cu(III) species lead to the terminal and internal diamination, respectively.

Terminal olefins are effectively C–H diaminated at the allylic and homoallylic carbons with Pd(0) as catalyst and di-tert-butyldiaziridinone as nitrogen source, likely involving a diene intermediate generated in situ from the terminal olefin via formation of a π-allyl Pd complex and subsequent β-hydride elimination. When di-tert-butylthiadiaziridine 1,1-dioxide is used as nitrogen source, cyclic sulfamides are installed at the terminal carbons via a dehydrogenative diamination process. When α-methylstyrenes (lacking homoallylic hydrogens) react with Pd(0) and di-tert-butyldiaziridinone, spirocyclic indolines are formed with generation of four C–N bonds and one spiro quaternary carbon via allylic and aromatic C–H amination.

With Cu(I) catalysts, various terminal olefins can be effectively diaminated at the double bonds using di-tert-butyldiaziridinone, di-tert-butylthiadiaziridine 1,1-dioxide, and 1,2-di-tert-butyl-3-(cyanimino)-diaziridine as nitrogen sources, giving a variety of imidazolidinones, cyclic sulfamides, and cyclic guanidines in good yields, respectively. In the case of monosubstituted olefins using di-tert-butyldiaziridinone as nitrogen source, the resulting diamination products (imidazolidinones) are readily dehydrogenated under the reaction conditions, leading to the corresponding imidazolinones in good yields. Esters can also be diaminated to form the corresponding hydantoins with di-tert-butyldiaziridinone in the presence of a Cu(I) catalyst. A radical mechanism is likely to be operating in these Cu(I)-catalyzed reaction processes.

Asymmetric processes have also been developed for the Pd(0)- and Cu(I)-catalyzed diamination reactions. Biologically active compounds such as (+)-CP-99,994 and Sch 425078 have been synthesized via the diamination processes. The diamination reactions described herein provide efficient methods to access a wide variety of vicinal diamines from readily available olefins and show great potential for synthetic applications.

A regio- and stereoselective ω-transaminase/monoamine oxidase cascade for the synthesis of chiral 2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines

Biocatalytic approaches to the synthesis of optically pure chiral amines, starting from simple achiral building blocks, are highly desirable because such motifs are present in a wide variety of important natural products and pharmaceutical compounds. Herein, a novel one-pot ω-transaminase (TA)/monoamine oxidase (MAO-N) cascade process for the synthesis of chiral 2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines is reported. The reactions proceeded with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivity (>94 % ee; >98 % de) and can be performed on a preparative scale. This methodology exploits the complementary regio- and stereoselectivity displayed by both enzymes, which ensures that the stereogenic center established by the transaminase is not affected by the monoamine oxidase, and highlights the potential of this multienzyme cascade for the efficient synthesis of chiral building blocks.

Design, synthesis, and applications of chiral N-2-phenyl-2-propyl sulfinyl imines for group-assisted purification (GAP) asymmetric synthesis

A new chiral (Rs)-2-phenyl-2-propyl sulfinamide has been designed and synthesized; its derived aldimines and ketimines have been applied for asymmetric addition reaction with allylmagnesium bromide. The reaction was conveniently performed at room temperature to give a series of homoallylic amines in high yields (up to quant) and diastereoselectivity (up to >99% de). The pure products were obtained by relying on group-assisted purification (GAP) chemistry to avoid traditional purification methods of column chromatography or recrystallization. The conversion of disulfide to (R(s))-thiosulfinate which contains a newly generated polar group was also confirmed to be of the GAP chemistry in which washing crude product can generate pure enantiomer. The absolute stereochemistry has been determined by X-ray analysis.

A proline-based neuraminidase inhibitor: DFT studies on the zwitterion conformation, stability and formation

The designs of potent neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors are an efficient way to deal with the recent "2009 H1N1" influenza epidemic. In this work, density functional calculations were employed to study the conformation, stability and formation of the zwitterions of 5-[(1R,2S)-1-(acetylamino)-2-methoxy-2-methylpentyl]-4-[(1Z)-1-propenyl]-(4S,5R)-d-proline (BL), a proline-based NA inhibitor. Compared to proline, the zwitterion stability of BL is enhanced by 1.76 kcal mol(-1) due to the introduction of functional groups. However, the zwitterion of BL will not represent a local minimum on the potential energy surface until the number of water molecules increases up to two (n = 2). With the addition of two and three water molecules, the energy differences between the zwitterions and corresponding canonical isomers were calculated at 3.13 and -1.54 kcal mol(-1), respectively. The zwitterions of BL are mainly stabilized by the H-bonds with the water molecules, especially in the case of three water molecules where the carboxyl-O atoms are largely coordination-saturated by three H-bonds of medium strengths, causing the zwitterion stability even superior to the canonical isomer. With the presence of two and three water molecules, the energy barriers for the conversion processes from the canonical isomers to the zwitterions are equal to 4.96 and 3.13 kcal mol(-1), respectively. It indicated that the zwitterion formation is facile to take place with addition of two molecules and further facilitated by more water molecules. Besides, the zwitterion formation of BL is finished in a single step, different from other NA inhibitors. Owing to the above advantages, BL is a good NA inhibitor candidate and more attention should be paid to explorations of BL-based drugs.

Acetylides from alkyl propiolates as building blocks for C3 homologation

Alkyl propiolates are reagents with a versatile reactivity profile that entirely remains in the C(3)-homologated product for further elaboration. To be effective, this C(3) homologation requires suitable methods for the generation of the acetylide anion that are compatible with both the conjugated ester and the electrophilic partner. Recent advances include catalytic procedures for the in situ generation of these acetylides in the presence of suitable electrophiles. Whereas the organometallic methods have brought stereoselectivity to these reactions, the organocatalytic methods laid the ground for new efficient domino processes that generate complexity.

Anti-influenza virus agents: synthesis and mode of action

Annual epidemics of influenza virus infection are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality, and pandemics are much more devastating. Considerable knowledge of viral infectivity and replication has been acquired, but many details still have to be elucidated and the virus remains a challenging target for drug design and development. This review provides an overview of the antiviral drugs targeting the influenza viral replicative cycle. Included are a brief description of their chemical syntheses and biological activities. For other reviews, see References1-9.

Design, synthesis, inhibitory activity, and SAR studies of pyrrolidine derivatives as neuraminidase inhibitors

A series of pyrrolidine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit neuraminidase (NA) of influenza A virus (H3N2). All compounds were synthesized in good yields starting from commercially 4-hydroxy-L-proline using a suitable synthetic strategy. These compounds showed potent inhibitory activity against influenza A neuraminidase. Within this series, five compounds, 6e, 9c, 9e, 9f, and 10e, have good potency (IC(50)=1.56-2.71 microM) which are compared to that the NA inhibitor Oseltamivir (IC(50)=1.06 microM), and could be used as lead compoundS in the future.

Asymmetric synthesis of trans-2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines from enantiopure homoallylic amines. Synthesis of pyrrolidine (-)-197B

Iodocyclization of sulfinimine-derived enantiopure homoallylic sulfonamides affords trans-2,5-disubstituted 3-iodopyrrolidines and represents valuable methodology for the asymmetric synthesis of this important heterocyclic ring system.

Status presens of antiviral drugs and strategies: Part II: RNA VIRUSES (EXCEPT RETROVIRUSES)

More than 40 compounds have been formally licensed for clinical use as antiviral drugs, and half of these are used for the treatment of HIV infections. The others have been approved for the therapy of herpesvirus (HSV, VZV, CMV), hepadnavirus (HBV), hepacivirus (HCV) and myxovirus (influenza, RSV) infections. New compounds are in clinical development or under preclinical evaluation, and, again, half of these are targeting HIV infections. Yet, quite a number of important viral pathogens (i.e. HPV, HCV, hemorrhagic fever viruses) remain in need of effective and/or improved antiviral therapies.

Viruses and Viral Diseases

More than 40 compounds have been formally licensed for clinical use as antiviral drugs, and half of these are used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. The others have been approved for the therapy of herpesvirus (herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV)), hepadnavirus (hepatitis B virus (HBV)), hepacivirus (hepatitis C virus (HCV)), and myxovirus (influenza, respiratory synctural virus (RSV)) infections. New compounds are in clinical development or under preclinical evaluation, and, again, half of these target HIV infections. Yet, quite a number of important viral pathogens (i.e., human papilloma virus (HPV), HCV, hemorrhagic fever viruses) remain in need of effective and/or improved antiviral therapies.

Antiviral agents active against influenza A viruses

The recent outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus, its expanding geographic distribution and its ability to transfer to humans and cause severe infection have raised serious concerns about the measures available to control an avian or human pandemic of influenza A. In anticipation of such a pandemic, several preventive and therapeutic strategies have been proposed, including the stockpiling of antiviral drugs, in particular the neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir (Tamiflu; Roche) and zanamivir (Relenza; GlaxoSmithKline). This article reviews agents that have been shown to have activity against influenza A viruses and discusses their therapeutic potential, and also describes emerging strategies for targeting these viruses.

Strategy for the Enantioselective Synthesis of trans-2,4-Disubstituted Piperidines: Application to the CCR3 Antagonist IS811

A strategy for the enantioselective synthesis of trans-2,4-disubstituted piperidines is proposed and applied to the preparation of IS811, a potent CCR3 antagonist. The C2 stereocenter is derived from commercial (R)-epichlorohydrin, while the C4 stereocenter is installed via diastereoselective hydrogenation of an alpha,beta-unsaturated lactone intermediate. Inversion of the original stereocenter via an efficient intramolecular S(N)2 amination affords the piperidine core of IS811. An improved protocol for the lithiation of ethyl propiolate is reported.

Asymmetric multicomponent reactions: diastereoselective synthesis of substituted pyrrolidines and prolines

A novel diastereoselective synthesis of substituted pyrrolidines has been developed. Asymmetric multicomponent reactions of optically active phenyldihydrofuran, N-tosyl imino ester, and silane reagents in a one-pot operation afforded highly substituted pyrrolidine derivatives diastereoselectively. The reaction is quite efficient and constructed up to three stereogenic centers in a single operation.

Treatment of respiratory virus infections

Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) can be associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations ranging from self-limited upper respiratory tract infections to more devastating conditions, such as pneumonia. RVIs constitute the most frequent reason for medical consultations in the world and they have a considerable impact on quality of life and productivity. Therefore, the prevention and control of RVIs remain major clinical goals. Currently, there are approximately 200 known respiratory viruses that can be grouped into one family of DNA viruses (Adenoviridae) and four families of RNA viruses (Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Picornaviridae and Coronaviridae). In this paper, we review the major respiratory viruses that cause disesases in humans, with an emphasis on current treatment options.

2,5-Disubstituted pyrrolidines: synthesis by enamine reduction and subsequent regioselective and diastereoselective alkylations

Methodology for the diastereoselective synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines by reduction of enamines derived from pyroglutamic acid is reported; the nature of nitrogen protection was found to be critical for the stereochemical control of the reaction outcome. Regioselective manipulation of the C-2 and C-5 substituents is possible, providing access to differently substituted pyrrolidines for a limited number of cases.