Sulfonylureas and sulfonylcarbamates as new non-tetrazole angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Discovery of a highly potent orally active (imidazolylbiphenylyl)sulfonylurea (HR 720)

Unexplored Facet of Pincer Ligands: Super-Reductant Behavior Applied to Transition-Metal-Free Catalysis

Pincer ligands are well-established supporting ancillaries to afford robust coordination to metals across the periodic table. Despite their widespread use in developing homogeneous catalysts, the redox noninnocence of the ligand backbone is less utilized in steering catalytic transformations. This report showcases a trianionic, symmetric NNN-pincer to drive C-C cross-coupling reactions and heterocycle formation via C-H functionalization, without any coordination to transition metals. The starting substrates are aryl chlorides that can tease the limit of a catalyst's ability to promote a reductive cleavage at a much demanding potential of -2.90 V vs SCE. The reducing power of the simple trianionic ligand backbone has been tremendously amplified by shining visible light on it. The catalyst's success relies on its easy access to the one-electron oxidized iminosemiquinonate form that has been thoroughly characterized by X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy through spectroelectrochemical experiments. The moderately long-lived excited-state lifetime (10.2 ns) and such a super-reductive ability dependent on the one-electron redox shuttle between the bisamido and iminosemiquinonato forms make this catalysis effective.

Synthesis of 11C-labeled Sulfonyl Carbamates through a Multicomponent Reaction Employing Sulfonyl Azides, Alcohols, and [11C]CO

We describe the development of a new methodology focusing on 11C-labeling of sulfonyl carbamates in a multicomponent reaction comprised of a sulfonyl azide, an alkyl alcohol, and [11C]CO. A number of 11C-labeled sulfonyl carbamates were synthesized and isolated, and the developed methodology was then applied in the preparation of a biologically active molecule. The target compound was obtained in 24±10 % isolated radiochemical yield and was evaluated for binding properties in a tumor cell assay; in vivo biodistribution and imaging studies were also performed. This represents the first successful radiolabeling of a non-peptide angiotensin II receptor subtype 2 agonist, C21, currently in clinical trials for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

A radical process towards the development of transition-metal-free aromatic carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions

Transition-metal-free cross-coupling reactions have been a hot topic in recent years. With the aid of a radical initiator, a number of unactivated arene C-H bonds can be directly arylated/functionalized by using aryl halides through homolytic aromatic substitution. Commercially available or specially designed promoters (e.g. diamines, diols, and amino alcohols) have been used to make this synthetically attractive method viable. This protocol offers an inexpensive, yet efficient route to aromatic C-C bond formations since transition metal catalysts and impurities can be avoided by using this reaction system. In this article, we focus on the significance of the reaction conditions (e.g. bases and promoters), which allow this type of reaction to proceed smoothly. Substrate scope limitations and challenges, as well as mechanistic discussion are also included.

Facile and efficient syntheses of a series of N-benzyl and N-biphenylmethyl substituted imidazole derivatives based on (E)-urocanic acid, as angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockers

In the present work, a facile and efficient route for the synthesis of a series of N-substituted imidazole derivatives is described. Docking studies have revealed that N-substituted imidazole derivatives based on (E)-urocanic acid may be potential antihypertensive leads. Therefore, new AT1 receptor blockers bearing either the benzyl or the biphenylmethyl moiety at the N-1 or N-3 position, either the (E)-acrylate or the propanoate fragment and their related acids at the C-4 position as well as a halogen atom at the C-5 position of the imidazole ring, were synthesized. The newly synthesized analogues were evaluated for binding to human AT1 receptor. The biological results showed that this class of molecules possesses moderate or no activity, thus not always confirming high docking scores. Nonetheless, important conclusions can be derived for their molecular basis of their mode of action and help medicinal chemists to design and synthesize more potent ones. An aliphatic group as in losartan seems to be important for enhancing binding affinity and activity.

The discovery of new potent non-peptide Angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockers: a concise synthesis, molecular docking studies and biological evaluation of N-substituted 5-butylimidazole derivatives

A convenient and facile synthesis, in silico docking studies and in vitro biological evaluation of N-substituted 5-butylimidazole derivatives as potent Angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor type 1 (AT1) blockers (ARBs) has been reported in the current study. Our efforts have been directed towards the development of an efficient synthetic route allowing the facile introduction of substituents on the imidazole ring. In particular, a series of imidazole based compounds bearing the biphenyl moiety at the N - 1 position, a halogen atom at the C-4 and polar substituents such as hydroxymethyl, aldo or carboxy group at the C-2 position were designed and synthesized. These compounds were evaluated for binding to human AT1 receptor and for ANG II antagonism in vitro on isolated rat uterus. Among them, 5-butyl-1-[[2'-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]imidazole-2-carboxylic acid (30) exhibited higher binding affinity compared to the other analogues tested (-log IC(50) = 8.46). The latter analogue was also found to be the most active in the rat uterotonic test (pA(2) = 7.83). Importantly, the binding affinity was higher to that of losartan (-log IC(50) = 8.25) indicating the importance of carboxy group at the C-2 position. Experimental findings are in good agreement with docking studies, which were undertaken in order to investigate ligand/AT1 receptor interactions.

N-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trifluoro-N-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methanesulfonamide

The title mol­ecule, also called 4-chloro-N,N-bis­(trifluoro­methane­sulfon­yl)aniline, C₈H₄ClF₆NO₄S₂, has non-crystallographic twofold symmetry with the pseudo-axis aligned along the Cl—C⋯C—N backbone of the mol­ecule: the SO₂CF₃ residues lie to either side of the benzene ring. In the crystal, the presence of C—H⋯O contacts lead to the formation of a sequence of 12-membered {⋯HC₂NSO}₂ synthons within a supra­molecular chain aligned along [101].

14C-labeled and large-scale synthesis of the angiotensin-(1-7)-receptor agonist AVE 0991 by cross-coupling reactions

The synthesis of (14)C-labeled AVE 0991 ((14)()C-1a) and large-scale synthesis of AVE 0991 (1a) are described. In the key step of the synthesis, the C-C coupling reaction of the imidazole (2) and thiophene (3) building blocks was studied under Suzuki and Stille reaction conditions, respectively. Suzuki reaction gave only moderate yields, whereas the best results were obtained under Stille reaction conditions with up to 64% yield.

Discovery of 4'-[(imidazol-1-yl)methyl]biphenyl-2-sulfonamides as dual endothelin/angiotensin II receptor antagonists

A series of 4'-[(imidazol-1-yl)methyl]biphenylsulfonamides has potent antagonist activity against both angiotensin II AT(1) and endothelin ET(A) receptors. Such dual-acting antagonists could have utility in the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases in a broad patient population. Certain compounds in the present series are orally active in a rat model of angiotensin II-mediated hypertension.

Imidazole-based ligands of the Src SH2 protein

Starting from known Src SH2 inhibitors incorporating five-membered heterocycles or benzamide scaffolds, we prepared tetrasubstituted imidazole compounds able to interact with the pY, pY+1 and pY+3 binding sites of the Src SH2 protein. The synthesis and biological data are presented.

Long-term angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade with fonsartan doubles lifespan of hypertensive rats

In this study, we investigated the outcome of lifelong treatment with the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)) blocker fonsartan (HR 720) in young stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP). In addition to the primary end point, lifespan, and to determine the mechanisms involved in the treatment-induced effects, parameters such as left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac function/metabolism, endothelial function, and the expression/activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were also investigated. Ninety 1-month-old SHR-SP were allotted to 2 groups and treated via drinking water with an antihypertensive dose of fonsartan (10 mg. kg(-1). d(-1)) or placebo. Fonsartan doubled the lifespan to 30 months in SHR-SP, which was comparable to the lifespan of normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. After 15 months, a time when approximately 80% of the placebo group had died, left ventricular hypertrophy was completely prevented in fonsartan-treated animals. Furthermore, cardiac function and metabolism as well as endothelial function were significantly improved. These effects were correlated with increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in the heart and carotid artery and with markedly decreased tissue ACE expression/activities. Lifespan extension and cardiovascular protection by long-term AT(1) blockade with fonsartan led to similar beneficial effects, as observed with long-term ACE inhibition.

Pharmacologic profiles of GA0113, a novel quinoline derivative angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonist

GA0113 is a newly developed angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1-receptor antagonist having a quinoline moiety. This study was undertaken to clarify the pharmacologic profile of GA0113. In vitro profiles of GA0113 for Ang II receptors were examined in a receptor-binding assay and an Ang II-induced vasoconstriction study. Antihypertensive effects after single or repeated oral administrations were examined in conscious renal hypertensive (RH) or spontaneous hypertensive (SH) rats. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate were measured by the tail-cuff method. GA0113 interacted with AT1 receptors in a competitive manner, but showed an insurmountable antagonistic action in Ang II-induced vasoconstriction. In RH rats, GA0113 (0.01-1 mg/kg) reduced BP with ED25 values of 0.015 mg/kg, and required 0.1 mg/kg for 24-h BP control. Repeated administration of GA0113 in SH rats (0.03-0.1 mg/kg) showed moderate onset and gradually potentiated reduction of BP, which reached a plateau after day 4 of treatment without alteration in heart rate. There was no tolerance of the hypotensive action or rebound phenomenon after cessation of the treatment. In pharmacokinetic studies, GA0113 shows excellent oral bioavailability (94%) and a long circulating half-life (12 h) in rats. These findings indicate that GA013 may serve as a highly potent and effective antihypertensive agent in humans. GA0113, with its unique chemical structure and pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic profiles may provide new possibilities in hypertension therapy.

Pharmacological profiles of a novel non-peptide angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist HR720 in vitro and in vivo

The pharmacological properties of 2-butyl-4-(methylthio)-1-[[2'-[[[(propylamino)carbonyl] amino]sulfonyl](1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl]methyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate (HR720), a novel non-peptide angiotensin (Ang) II type I (AT1) receptor antagonist, were characterized in both in vitro and in vivo systems. In vitro autoradiography using 125I-[Sar1,Ile8]Ang II as a ligand revealed that HR720 competitively inhibited the specific binding of the ligand to the adrenal cortex. The IC50 value for the adrenal cortex was 1.5 x 10(-8) M, and the IC50 for medulla was 1.4 x 10(-6) M. Similar results were obtained in the adrenal cortex with CV-11974, a known potent AT1-receptor antagonist. Since AT1 receptors are known to predominate in the adrenal cortex and AT2-receptors in the adrenal medulla, it is considered that HR720 is highly selective for AT1 receptors. HR720 inhibited the Ang II-induced contraction of isolated rabbit aortic strips and human gastroepiploic arteries in a noncompetitive manner, pD'2=9.40 and 9.62 for rabbit aorta and human artery, respectively. With CV-11974, pD'2 values of 9.84 in isolated rabbit aorta and 10.00 in human artery were obtained. HR720 did not affect the norepinephrine-, serotonin- or KCl-induced contraction even at a concentration of 1 x 10(-5) M. In anesthetized hamsters, HR720 induced a dose-dependent inhibition of the pressure response to Ang II. The potency of HR720 to antagonize the Ang II-induced pressure response was similar to that of CV-11974. These results demonstrate that HR720 is a potent and selective AT1-receptor antagonist.

3N-methylbiphenylsulfonylurea and -carbamate substituted imidazo[4,5-b]pyridines. Potent antagonists of the ANG II AT1 receptors

The synthesis and the SAR study of imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine biphenyl sulfonylureas and -carbamates as highly potent AT1-selective ANG II receptor antagonists are described. Several members of this new class of antagonists efficiently inhibited the ANG II-induced pressor response in pithed rats after iv and intraduodenal (id) administration.