Chagas Disease Drug Discovery: Multiparametric Lead Optimization against Trypanosoma cruzi in Acylaminobenzothiazole Series

J Med Chem. 2019 Nov 27;62(22):10362-10375. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01429. Epub 2019 Nov 18.

Abstract

Acylaminobenzothiazole hits were identified as potential inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi replication, a parasite responsible for Chagas disease. We selected compound 1 for lead optimization, aiming to improve in parallel its anti-T. cruzi activity (IC50 = 0.63 μM) and its human metabolic stability (human clearance = 9.57 mL/min/g). A total of 39 analogues of 1 were synthesized and tested in vitro. We established a multiparametric structure-activity relationship, allowing optimization of antiparasite activity, physicochemical parameters, and ADME properties. We identified compound 50 as an advanced lead with an improved anti-T. cruzi activity in vitro (IC50 = 0.079 μM) and an enhanced metabolic stability (human clearance = 0.41 mL/min/g) and opportunity for the oral route of administration. After tolerability assessment, 50 demonstrated a promising in vivo efficacy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Benzothiazoles / chemical synthesis
  • Benzothiazoles / chemistry
  • Chagas Disease / drug therapy*
  • Chlorine / chemistry
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays
  • Humans
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Microsomes, Liver / drug effects
  • Parasitic Sensitivity Tests
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Trypanocidal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Trypanocidal Agents / chemistry*
  • Trypanocidal Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Trypanocidal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / drug effects*

Substances

  • Benzothiazoles
  • Trypanocidal Agents
  • Chlorine