Design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of a novel series of pyridopyrazine-1,6-dione γ-secretase modulators

J Med Chem. 2014 Feb 13;57(3):1046-62. doi: 10.1021/jm401782h. Epub 2014 Jan 28.

Abstract

Herein we describe the design and synthesis of a novel series of γ-secretase modulators (GSMs) that incorporates a pyridopiperazine-1,6-dione ring system. To align improved potency with favorable ADME and in vitro safety, we applied prospective physicochemical property-driven design coupled with parallel medicinal chemistry techniques to arrive at a novel series containing a conformationally restricted core. Lead compound 51 exhibited good in vitro potency and ADME, which translated into a favorable in vivo pharmacokinetic profile. Furthermore, robust reduction of brain Aβ42 was observed in guinea pig at 30 mg/kg dosed orally. Through chemical biology efforts involving the design and synthesis of a clickable photoreactive probe, we demonstrated specific labeling of the presenilin N-terminal fragment (PS1-NTF) within the γ-secretase complex, thus gaining insight into the binding site of this series of GSMs.

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / chemistry
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Drug Design
  • Guinea Pigs
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Peptide Fragments / metabolism
  • Presenilin-1 / chemistry
  • Pyridazines / chemical synthesis*
  • Pyridazines / pharmacokinetics
  • Pyridazines / pharmacology
  • Pyridines / chemical synthesis*
  • Pyridines / pharmacokinetics
  • Pyridines / pharmacology
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Presenilin-1
  • Pyridazines
  • Pyridines
  • amyloid beta-protein (1-42)
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases