Gram-scale synthesis of the p38α MAPK-inhibitor VX-745 for preclinical studies into Werner syndrome

BACKGROUND

The ATP-competitive p38α MAPK inhibitor VX-745 exhibits an exquisite kinase selectivity profile, is effective in blocking p38 stress signaling in Werner syndrome dermal fibroblasts, has efficacy in clinical trials and may have therapeutic value against Werner syndrome. Previous synthetic routes, however, have only resulted in milligram quantities suitable for cell-based studies, whereas gram quantities would be required for in vivo use.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

Microwave irradiation using a stop-flow monomodal microwave reactor has been found to facilitate scale-up of the synthesis of VX-745. Ullmann-type C-S bond formation using thiophenol, chloropyridazine, copper(I) catalyst and diol ligand proceeds rapidly and efficiently in this apparatus for elaboration to the pyrimido[1,6-b]pyridazinone core of VX-745 on gram scale and with good overall yield.

CONCLUSION

This method delivers the p38 inhibitor VX-745 in sufficient quantities for preclinical studies to rescue the aging phenotype in Werner syndrome.

1,4-Benzodiazepin-2-ones in medicinal chemistry

1,4-Benzodiazepin-2-ones have applications in many areas of medicinal chemistry that are not restricted to 'classical' CNS treatments such as sedatives, epilepsy and muscle relaxants. We will describe selected examples of 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones in other areas of medicinal chemistry including uses as G-protein-coupled receptor antagonists, enzyme inhibitors and anticancer agents. Examples from our group will mainly show the use of palladacycle complexes of 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones as anticancer agents.