Lead optimization studies of cinnamic amide EP2 antagonists

J Med Chem. 2014 May 22;57(10):4173-84. doi: 10.1021/jm5000672. Epub 2014 May 5.

Abstract

Prostanoid receptor EP2 can play a proinflammatory role, exacerbating disease pathology in a variety of central nervous system and peripheral diseases. A highly selective EP2 antagonist could be useful as a drug to mitigate the inflammatory consequences of EP2 activation. We recently identified a cinnamic amide class of EP2 antagonists. The lead compound in this class (5d) displays anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions. However, this compound exhibited moderate selectivity to EP2 over the DP1 prostanoid receptor (∼10-fold) and low aqueous solubility. We now report compounds that display up to 180-fold selectivity against DP1 and up to 9-fold higher aqueous solubility than our previous lead. The newly developed compounds also display higher selectivity against EP4 and IP receptors and a comparable plasma pharmacokinetics. Thus, these compounds are useful for proof of concept studies in a variety of models where EP2 activation is playing a deleterious role.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amides / chemical synthesis*
  • Amides / chemistry
  • Amides / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cinnamates / chemical synthesis*
  • Cinnamates / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Solubility
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Amides
  • Cinnamates
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype