Analysis of highly potent amidine containing inhibitors of serine proteases and their N-hydroxylated prodrugs (amidoximes)

The Synthesis and Evaluation of Amidoximes as Cytotoxic Agents on Model Bacterial E. coli Strains

The biological research on newly synthesized amidoximes, Boc-protected amidoximes and Boc-derived amidines, obtained by a reduction of the parent amidoximes is reported, herein. Due to the presence of a free amino group in both amidines and amidoximes, these compounds can undergo various chemical reactions such as N-alkylation and N-acylation. One such reaction is Boc-protection, often used in organic synthesis to protect the amino and imino groups. Until now, Boc-protected amidoximes have not been tested for biological activity. Amidoxime derivatives were tested on bacterial E. coli strains. Initial cellular studies tests and digestion with Fpg after the modification of bacterial DNA, suggest that these compounds may have greater potential as antibacterial agents compared to antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (ci), bleomycin (b) and cloxacillin (cl). The described compounds are highly specific for pathogenic E. coli strains on the basis of the model strains used and may be used in the future as new substitutes for commonly used antibiotics in clinical and hospital infections in the pandemic era.

Therapeutic Potential of SphK1 Inhibitors Based on Abnormal Expression of SphK1 in Inflammatory Immune Related-Diseases

Sphingosine kinase 1(SphK1) a key enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of sphingosine (Sph) to sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), so as to maintain the dynamic balance of sphingolipid-rheostat in cells and participate in cell growth and death, proliferation and migration, vasoconstriction and remodeling, inflammation and metabolism. The normal expression of SphK1 maintains the balance of physiological and pathological states, which is reflected in the regulation of inflammatory factor secretion, immune response in traditional immune cells and non-traditional immune cells, and complex signal transduction. However, abnormal SphK1 expression and activity are found in various inflammatory and immune related-diseases, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. In view of the therapeutic potential of regulating SphK1 and its signal, the current research is aimed at SphK1 inhibitors, such as SphK1 selective inhibitors and dual SphK1/2 inhibitor, and other compounds with inhibitory potency. This review explores the regulatory role of over-expressed SphK1 in inflammatory and immune related-diseases, and investigate the latest progress of SphK1 inhibitors and the improvement of disease or pathological state.

Synthesis of Boronated Amidines by Addition of Amines to Nitrilium Derivative of Cobalt Bis(Dicarbollide)

A series of novel cobalt bis(dicarbollide) based amidines were synthesized by the nucleophilic addition of primary and secondary amines to highly activated B-N+≡C-R triple bond of the propionitrilium derivative [8-EtC≡N-3,3'-Co(1,2-C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H11)]. The reactions with primary amines result in the formation of mixtures of E and Z isomers of amidines, whereas the reactions with secondary amines lead selectively to the E-isomers. The crystal molecular structures of E-[8-EtC(NMe2)=HN-3,3'-Co(1,2-C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H11)], E-[8-EtC(NEt2)=HN-3,3'-Co(1,2- C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H11)] and E-[8-EtC(NC5H10)=HN-3,3'-Co(1,2-C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H11)] were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

Discovery of Sisunatovir (RV521), an Inhibitor of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion

RV521 is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion that was identified after a lead optimization process based upon hits that originated from a physical property directed hit profiling exercise at Reviral. This exercise encompassed collaborations with a number of contract organizations with collaborative medicinal chemistry and virology during the optimization phase in addition to those utilized as the compound proceeded through preclinical and clinical evaluation. RV521 exhibited a mean IC₅₀ of 1.2 nM against a panel of RSV A and B laboratory strains and clinical isolates with antiviral efficacy in the Balb/C mouse model of RSV infection. Oral bioavailability in preclinical species ranged from 42 to >100% with evidence of highly efficient penetration into lung tissue. In healthy adult human volunteers experimentally infected with RSV, a potent antiviral effect was observed with a significant reduction in viral load and symptoms compared to placebo.

A Novel Prodrug of a nNOS Inhibitor with Improved Pharmacokinetic Potential

Under different pathological conditions, aberrant induction of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) generates overproduction of NO that can cause irreversible cell damage. The aim of this study was to develop an amidoxime prodrug of a potent nNOS inhibitor, the benzhydryl acetamidine. We synthesized the benzhydryl acetamidoxime, which was evaluated in vitro to ascertain the potential NOS inhibitory activity, as well as conducting bioconversion into the parent acetamidine. The prodrug was also profiled for in vitro physicochemical properties, by determining the lipophilicity, passive permeation through the human gastrointestinal tract and across the blood-brain barrier by PAMPA, and chemical, enzymatic, and plasma stability. The obtained data demonstrate that the amidoxime prodrug shows an improved pharmacokinetic profile with respect to the acetamidine nNOS inhibitor, thus suggesting that it could be a promising lead compound to treat all those pathological conditions in which nNOS activity is dysregulated.

Sphingosine kinase inhibitors: a review of patent literature (2006-2015)

INTRODUCTION

Sphingosine kinase (SphK1 & SphK2) is the sole source of the pleiotropic lipid mediator, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). S1P has been implicated in a variety of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, sickle cell disease and fibrosis and thus the biosynthetic route to S1P is a logical target for drug discovery. Areas covered: In this review, the authors consider the SphK inhibitor patent literature from 2006-2016 Q1 with the emphasis on composition of matter utility patents. The Espacenet database was queried with the search term 'sphingosine AND kinase' to identify relevant literature. Expert opinion: Early inhibitor discovery focused on SphK1 with a bias towards oncology indications. Structurally, the reported inhibitors occupy the sphingosine 'J-shaped' binding pocket. The lack of cytotoxicity with improved SphK1 inhibitors raises doubt about the enzyme as an oncology target. SphK2 inhibitors are featured in more recent patent applications. Interestingly, both SphK1 and SphK2 inhibition and gene 'knockout' share opposing effects on circulating S1P levels: SphK1 inhibition/gene ablation decreases, while SphK2 inhibition/gene ablation increases, blood S1P. As understanding of S1P's physiological roles increases and more drug-like SphK inhibitors emerge, inhibiting one or both SphK isotypes could provide unique strategies for treating disease.

Decarboxylative palladium(II)-catalyzed synthesis of aryl amidines from aryl carboxylic acids: development and mechanistic investigation

A fast and convenient synthesis of aryl amidines starting from carboxylic acids and cyanamides is reported. The reaction was achieved by palladium(II)-catalysis in a one-step microwave protocol using [Pd(O₂CCF₃)₂], 6-methyl-2,2′-bipyridyl and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP), providing the corresponding aryl amidines in moderate to excellent yields. The protocol is very robust with regards to the cyanamide coupling partner but requires electron-rich ortho-substituted aryl carboxylic acids. Mechanistic insight was provided by a DFT investigation and direct ESI-MS studies of the reaction. The results of the DFT study correlated well with the experimental findings and, together with the ESI-MS study, support the suggested mechanism. Furthermore, a scale-out (scale-up) was performed with a non-resonant microwave continuous-flow system, achieving a maximum throughput of 11 mmol h⁻¹ by using a glass reactor with an inner diameter of 3 mm at a flow rate of 1 mL min⁻¹.

Direct palladium(II)-catalyzed synthesis of arylamidines from aryltrifluoroborates

A fast and convenient synthesis of arylamidines starting from readily available potassium aryltrifluoroborates and cyanamides is reported. The coupling was achieved by Pd(II)-catalysis in a one step 20 min microwave protocol using Pd(O₂CCF₃), 6-methyl-2,2′-bipyridyl, TFA, and MeOH, providing the corresponding arylamidines in moderate to excellent yields.