Insights on Structure-Passive Permeability Relationship in Pyrrole and Furan-Containing Macrocycles

J Med Chem. 2024 Mar 14;67(5):3711-3726. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02162. Epub 2024 Feb 28.

Abstract

Macrocycles have recognized therapeutic potential, but their limited cellular permeability can hinder their development as oral drugs. To better understand the structure-permeability relationship of heterocycle-containing, semipeptidic macrocycles, a library was synthesized. These compounds were created by developing two novel reactions described herein: the reduction of activated oximes by LiBH4 and the aqueous reductive mono-N-alkylation of aldehydes using catalytic SmI2 and stoichiometric Zn. The permeability of the macrocycles was evaluated through a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA), and the results indicated that macrocycles with a furan incorporated into the structure have better passive permeability than those with a pyrrole moiety. Compounds bearing a 2,5-disubstituted pyrrole (endo orientation) were shown to be implicated in intramolecular H-bonds, enhancing their permeability. This study highlighted the impact of heterocycles moieties in semipeptides, creating highly permeable macrocycles, thus showing promising avenues for passive diffusion of drugs beyond the rule-of-five chemical space.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane Permeability
  • Diffusion
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Permeability
  • Water*

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Water