Design, synthesis, and evaluation of aza-peptide epoxides as selective and potent inhibitors of caspases-1, -3, -6, and -8

Aza-peptide epoxides, a novel class of irreversible protease inhibitors, are specific for the clan CD cysteine proteases. Aza-peptide epoxides with an aza-Asp residue at P1 are excellent irreversible inhibitors of caspases-1, -3, -6, and -8 with second-order inhibition rates up to 1 910 000 M(-1) s(-1). In general, the order of reactivity of aza-peptide epoxides is S,S > R,R > trans > cis. Interestingly, some of the R,R epoxides while being less potent are actually more selective than the S,S epoxides. Our aza-peptide epoxides designed for caspases are stable, potent, and specific inhibitors, as they show little to no inhibition of other proteases such as the aspartyl proteases porcine pepsin, human cathepsin D, plasmepsin 2 from P. falciparum, HIV-1 protease, and the secreted aspartic proteinase 2 (SAP-2) from Candida albicans; the serine proteases granzyme B and alpha-chymotrypsin; and the cysteine proteases cathepsin B and papain (clan CA), and legumain (clan CD).     

Aza-peptidyl Michael acceptors. A new class of potent and selective inhibitors of asparaginyl endopeptidases (legumains) from evolutionarily diverse pathogens

Aza-peptide Michael acceptors with the general structure of Cbz-Ala-Ala-AAsn- trans-CH=CHCOR are a new class of inhibitors specific for the asparaginyl endopeptidases (AE) (legumains). Structure-activity relationships (SARs) were characterized for a set of 31 aza-peptide Michael acceptors with AEs derived from three medically important parasites: the protist Trichomonas vaginalis, the hard tick Ixodes ricinus, and the flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. Despite arising from phylogenetically disparate organisms, all three AEs shared a remarkably similar SAR with lowest IC50 values extending into the picomolar range. The results suggest an evolutionary constraint on the topography of the prime side of the active site. SAR also revealed that esters in the P1' position are more potent than disubstituted amides and that monosubstituted amides and alkyl derivatives show little or no inhibition. The preferred P1' residues have aromatic substituents. Aza-asparaginyl Michael acceptors react with thiols, which provides insight into the mechanism of their inhibition of asparaginyl endopeptidases.     

Aza-peptide Michael acceptors: a new class of inhibitors specific for caspases and other clan CD cysteine proteases

Aza-peptide Michael acceptors are a new class of irreversible inhibitors that are highly potent and specific for clan CD cysteine proteases. The aza-Asp derivatives were specific for caspases, while aza-Asn derivatives were effective legumain inhibitors. Aza-Lys and aza-Orn derivatives were potent inhibitors of gingipain K and clostripain. Aza-peptide Michael acceptors showed no cross reactivity toward papain, cathepsin B, and calpain.     

Thromboxane synthase inhibitors. Synthesis and pharmacological activity of (R)-, (S)-, and (+/-)-2,2-dimethyl-6-[2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1-[[(4-methoxyphenyl)- methoxy]methyl]ethoxy]hexanoic acids

A series of substituted omega-[2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethoxy]alkanoic acid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit thromboxane synthase both in vitro and in vivo. Compound 13 was identified as a potent and selective competitive inhibitor of human platelet thromboxane synthase having a Ki value of 9.6 X 10(-8) M. In collagen-treated human whole blood, 13 potentiated levels of 6-keto PGF1 alpha. Enantiospecific syntheses afforded the R and S enantiomers of 13, of which the S enantiomer 13b was the more potent. Compounds 13 and 13b were potent in vivo inhibitors of thromboxane synthase with good oral activity and duration of action.     

Structure-based design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of irreversible human rhinovirus 3C protease inhibitors. 6. Structure-activity studies of orally bioavailable, 2-pyridone-containing peptidomimetics

The structure-based design, chemical synthesis, and biological evaluation of various 2-pyridone-containing human rhinovirus (HRV) 3C protease (3CP) inhibitors are described. These compounds are comprised of a peptidomimetic binding determinant and a Michael acceptor moiety, which forms an irreversible covalent adduct with the active site cysteine residue of the 3C enzyme. The 2-pyridone-containing inhibitors typically display improved 3CP inhibition properties relative to related peptide-derived molecules along with more favorable antiviral properties. The cocrystal structure of one pyridone-derived 3CP inhibitor complexed with HRV-2 3CP is also described along with certain ab initio conformation analyses. Optimization of the 2-pyridone-containing compounds is shown to provide several highly active 3CP inhibitors (k(obs)/[I] > 500,00 M(-1) s(-1)) that function as potent antirhinoviral agents (EC(50) = <0.05 microM) against multiple virus serotypes in cell culture. One 2-pyridone-containing 3CP inhibitor is shown to be bioavailable in the dog after oral dosing (F = 48%).     

Aza-peptide epoxides: a new class of inhibitors selective for clan CD cysteine proteases

Aza-peptide epoxides, a new class of irreversible protease inhibitors, are specific for the clan CD cysteine proteases. The inhibitors have second-order rate constants up to 10(5) M(-1) s(-1), with the most potent epoxides having the S,S stereochemistry. The aza-Asn derivatives are effective legumain inhibitors, while the aza-Asp epoxides were specific for caspases. The inhibitors have little or no inhibition with other proteases such as chymotrypsin, papain, or cathepsin B.     

A novel series of non-carboxylic acid, non-hydantoin inhibitors of aldose reductase with potent oral activity in diabetic rat models: 6-(5-chloro-3-methylbenzofuran-2-sulfonyl)-2H-pyridazin-3-one and congeners

Discovery of a highly selective, potent, and safe non-carboxylic acid, non-hydantoin inhibitor of aldose reductase (AR) capable of potently blocking the excess glucose flux through the polyol pathway that prevails under diabetic conditions has been a long-standing challenge. In response, we did high-throughput screening of our internal libraries of compounds and identified 6-phenylsulfonylpyridazin-2H-3-one, 8, which showed modest inhibition of AR, both in vitro and in vivo. Initial structure-activity relationships concentrated on phenyl substituents and led to 6-(2,4-dichlorophenylsulfonyl)-2H-pyridazin-3-one, 8l, which was more potent than 8, both in vitro and in vivo. Incorporation of extant literature findings with other aldose reductase inhibitors, including zopolrestat, resulted in the title inhibitor, 19m, which is one of the most potent and highly selective non-carboxylic acid, non-hydantoin inhibitors of AR yet described (IC50, 1 nM; ED90 vs sciatic nerve sorbitol and fructose, respectively, 0.8 and 4.0 mg/kg). In rats, its oral bioavailability is 98% and it has a favorable plasma t(1/2) (26 +/- 3 h).     

Identification of potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors of caspase-3 through the use of extended tethering and structure-based drug design

The design, synthesis, and in vitro activities of a series of potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors of caspase-3 are described. From extended tethering, a salicylic acid fragment was identified as having binding affinity for the S(4) pocket of caspase-3. X-ray crystallography and molecular modeling of the initial tethering hit resulted in the synthesis of 4, which reversibly inhibited caspase-3 with a K(i) = 40 nM. Further optimization led to the identification of a series of potent and selective inhibitors with K(i) values in the 20-50 nM range. One of the most potent compounds in this series, 66b, inhibited caspase-3 with a K(i) = 20 nM and selectivity of 8-500-fold for caspase-3 vs a panel of seven caspases (1, 2, and 4-8). A high-resolution X-ray cocrystal structure of 4 and 66b supports the predicted binding modes of our compounds with caspase-3.     

Renin inhibitors. Syntheses of subnanomolar, competitive, transition-state analogue inhibitors containing a novel analogue of statine

Analogues of the renin octapeptide substrate were synthesized in which replacement of the scissile dipeptide with (3S,4S)-4-amino-3-hydroxy-6-methylheptanoic acid (statine, Sta) transformed the substrate sequence into potent, transition-state analogue, competitive inhibitors of renin. Synthesis and incorporation of the cyclohexylalanyl analogue of Sta, (3S,4S)-4-amino-5-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxypentanoic acid (ACHPA), gave the most potent inhibitors of renin yet reported, including N-isovaleryl-L-histidyl-L-prolyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-histidyl-ACHPA-L -leucyl-L- phenylalanyl amide [Iva-His-Pro-Phe-His-ACHPA-Leu-Phe-NH2,3], with renin inhibitions of Ki = 1.6 X 10(-10) M (human kidney renin), IC50 = 1.7 X 10(-10)M (human plasma renin), IC50 = 1.9 X 10(-9)M (dog plasma renin), and IC50 = 2.1 X 10(-8) M (rat plasma renin). This inhibitor 3, containing ACHPA, was 55-76 times more potent vs. human renin than the comparable Sta-containing inhibitor 1 and 17 times more potent vs. dog renin than 1. Inhibitor 3 lowered blood pressure in sodium-deficient dogs, with in vivo potency 19 times that shown by 1, in close agreement with the relative in vitro potencies. Structure-activity results are presented that show the minimal N-terminus for these inhibitors. An ACHPA-containing pentapeptide, N-[(ethyloxy)carbonyl]-L-phenylalanyl-L- histidyl-ACHPA-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanyl amide [Etoc-Phe-His-ACHPA-Leu-Phe-NH2,8], retained subnanomolar inhibitory potency. Molecular modelling studies are described that suggested the design of ACHPA.     

6-Substituted-4-(3-bromophenylamino)quinazolines as putative irreversible inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER-2) tyrosine kinases with enhanced antitumor activity

A series of new 6-substituted-4-(3-bromophenylamino)quinazoline derivatives that may function as irreversible inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER-2) tyrosine kinases have been prepared. These inhibitors have, at the C-6 position, butynamide, crotonamide, and methacrylamide Michael acceptors bearing water-solublilizing substituents. These compounds were prepared by acylation of 6-amino-4-(3-bromophenylamino)quinazoline with unsaturated acid chlorides or mixed anhydrides. We show that attaching a basic functional group onto the Michael acceptor results in greater reactivity, due to intramolecular catalysis of the Michael addition and/or an inductive effect of the protonated basic group. This, along with improved water solubility, results in compounds with enhanced biological properties. We present molecular modeling and experimental evidence that these inhibitors interact covalently with the target enzymes. One compound, 16a, was shown to have excellent oral activity in a human epidermoid carcinoma (A431) xenograft model in nude mice.     

Inhibition of a type B monoamine oxidase inhibitor, (E)-2-(4-fluorophenethyl)-3-fluoroallylamine (MDL-72974A), on semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidases isolated from vascular tissues and sera of different species.

(E)-2-(4-Fluorophenethyl)-3-fluoroallylamine hydrochloride (MDL-72974A) has been discovered recently to be a very potent and highly selective type B monoamine oxidase inhibitor. We have found that this inhibitor is also capable of inhibiting semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidases (SSAOs) obtained from vascular tissues and sera of different species. The inhibition of SSAO by MDL-72974A was irreversible and time dependent. It was competitive without preincubation of the enzyme with the inhibitor and demonstrated a mixed-type of inhibition when the enzyme was preincubated with the inhibitor. The IC50 values were estimated to be 2 x 10(-9) M, 5 x 10(-9) M, 8 x 10(-8) M and 2 x 10(-8) M for SSAO from dog aorta, rat aorta, bovine aorta and human umbilical artery, respectively. SSAO obtained from bovine serum was relatively insensitive to MDL-72974A (IC50 = 3 x 10(-7) M. Following intraperitoneal administration of MDL-72974A, rat brain MAO-B was inhibited with the ED50 value being about 0.2 mg/kg. Rat aorta SSAO was also inhibited and to a similar extent by the same dose. MDL-72974A is the most potent SSAO inhibitor that has been described thus far.     

Selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors. 3. Cyclic compounds related to 4-aminophenethylamine. Preparation and neuron-selective action of some 5-(2-aminoethyl)-2,3-dihydroindoles

Nine 5-(2-aminoethyl)-2,3-dihydroindole derivatives were synthesized and tested as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. All compounds were found to be selective MAO-A inhibitors in vitro, the most active ones, 5-[1-(2-aminopropyl)]-2,3-dihydro-4-methylindole acetate (3), 5-[1-(2-aminopropyl)]-4-chloro-2,3-dihydroindole acetate (5), 5-[1-(2-aminopropyl)]-2,3-dihydro-1-ethyl-4-methylindole tartrate (6), 5-[1-(2-aminopropyl)]-2,3-dihydro-1-ethyl-6-methylindole tartrate (7), and 5-[1-(2-aminobutyl)]-4-chloro-2,3-dihydroindole acetate (9) being equipotent with amiflamine, (S)-(+)-4-(dimethylamino)-2, alpha-dimethylphenethylamine. Some of the compounds, 3, 6, 5-[1-(2-aminopropyl)]-2,3-dihydroindole acetate (1), and 5-[1-(2-amino-2-methylpropyl)]-2,3-dihydroindole acetate (8), were found to be very potent inhibitors of MAO in serotonergic and/or noradrenergic nerve terminals in the rat brain in vivo, inhibiting MAO within these neurons at doses 1/10 of those required to inhibit MAO in other neurons or cells. Compound 1 was also a potent and selective inhibitor of MAO within dopaminergic nerve terminals in vivo. This neuron selectivity is due to the uptake of these compounds by the neuronal uptake mechanisms.     

Synthetic 1,4-anthracenedione analogs induce cytochrome c release, caspase-9, -3, and -8 activities, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 cleavage and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in HL-60 cells by a mechanism which involves caspase-2 activation but not Fas signaling

Synthetic analogs of 1,4-anthraquinone (AQ code number), a compound that mimics the antiproliferative effects of daunorubicin (daunomycin) in the nanomolar range in vitro but has the advantage of blocking nucleoside transport and retaining its efficacy in multidrug-resistant tumor cells, were tested for their ability to induce apoptosis in the HL-60 cell system. AQ10 and, especially, the new lead antiproliferative compounds AQ8 and AQ9 reduce the growth and integrity of wild-type, drug-sensitive, HL-60-S cells more effectively than AQ1, suggesting that various methyl group substituents at C6 may enhance the bioactivity of the parent compound. Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, a late marker of apoptosis, is similarly induced in a biphasic manner by increasing concentrations of AQ8 and AQ9 at 24 hr. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) cleavage, an early event required for cells committed to apoptosis, is detected within 3-6 hr in HL-60-S cells treated with AQ9. In accord with the fact that the caspases 9 and 3 cascade is responsible for PARP-1 cleavage, the activities of initiator caspase-9 and effector caspase-3 are induced by AQ9 in the same time- and concentration-dependent manners and to the same maximal degrees in both the HL-60-S and multidrug-resistant HL-60-RV cell lines. Interestingly, a 1-hr pulse treatment is sufficient for AQ8 and AQ9 to maximally induce caspase-9 and -3 activities at 6 hr. The release of mitochondrial cytochrome c (Cyt c) is also detected within 3-6hr in HL-60-S cells treated with AQ9, a finding consistent with the fact that Cyt c is the apoptotic trigger that activates caspase-9. Moreover, AQ analogs induce Cyt c release, caspase-9 and -3 activities and PARP-1 cleavage in relation with their abilities to decrease tumor cell growth and integrity, AQ8 and AQ9 being consistently the most effective. Since apical caspases 2 and 8 may both act upstream of mitochondria to promote Cyt c release, it is significant to show that AQ9 maximally induces caspase-2 and -8 activities at 6 and 9 hr, respectively. During AQ8 treatment, the caspase-2 inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl (z)-Val-Asp-Val-Ala-Asp (VDVAD)-fluoromethyl ketone (fmk) totally blocks caspase-9, -3, and -8 activations, whereas the caspase-8 inhibitor z-Ile-Glu-Thr-Asp-(IETD)-fmk does not prevent caspase-2, -9, and -3 activations, suggesting that AQ-induced caspase-2 activity is an upstream event critical for the activation of the downstream caspases 9 and 3 cascade, including the mitochondrial amplification loop through caspase-8. However, these caspase-2 and -8 inhibitors fail to alter AQ8-induced Cyt c release, suggesting that AQs might also target mitochondria independently from caspase activation. Furthermore, the antagonistic anti-Fas DX2 and ZB4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which block the induction of Cyt c release and caspase-2, -8, and -9 activities by the agonistic anti-Fas CH11 mAb, and the neutralizing anti-Fas ligand (FasL) NOK-1 mAb all fail to inhibit AQ9-induced Cyt c release and caspase-2, -8, and -9 activities, suggesting that the FasL/Fas signaling pathway is not involved in the mechanism by which antiproliferative AQ analogs trigger apoptosis in HL-60 cells.     

AMP deaminase inhibitors. 4. Further N3-substituted coformycin aglycon analogues: N3-alkylmalonates as ribose 5'-monophosphate mimetics

AMP deaminase (AMPDA) inhibitors increase the levels of extracellular adenosine and preserve intracellular adenylate pools in cellular models of ATP depletion and therefore represent a potential new class of antiischemic drugs. Recently we reported that replacement of the ribose 5'-monophosphate component of the very potent transition-state analogue AMPDA inhibitor coformycin monophosphate (1) with a simple alkylcarboxy group resulted in potent, selective, and cell-penetrating AMPDA inhibitors. Here we report that replacement of this alkylcarboxy group with an alpha-substituted alkylmalonic acid resulted in enhanced inhibitor potency. The lead compound, 3-(5, 5-dicarboxy-6-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-n-hexyl)coformycin aglycon (21), exhibited an AMPDA K(i) of 0.029 microM which is (3 x 10(5))-fold lower than the K(M) for the natural substrate AMP. A comparison of inhibitory potencies shows that the diacid analogues with alpha-benzyl substituents are 2-10-fold more inhibitory than similar monoacid-monoester, monoester-monoamide, or diester derivatives. Finally, these diacid analogues are 2-40-fold more potent inhibitors than the corresponding monocarboxylates.     

Characterization of (2R, 3S)-2-( [4-(2-butynyloxy)phenyl]sulfonyl amino)-N,3-dihydroxybutanamide, a potent and selective inhibitor of TNF-α converting enzyme

TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) is a validated therapeutic target for the development of oral tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors. Here we report the pre-clinical results and characterization of a selective and potent TACE inhibitor, (2R, 3S)-2-( [4-(2-butynyloxy)phenyl]sulfonyl amino)-N,3-dihydroxybutanamide (TMI-2), in various in vitro and in vivo assays. TMI-2 is a potent TACE inhibitor in an enzymatic FRET assay (IC50=2 nM). It is more than 250-fold selective over MMP-1, -7, -9, -14, and ADAM-10 in vitro. In cell-based assays and human whole blood, TMI-2 inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF secretion with IC50s<1 uM. Importantly, TMI-2 inhibits the spontaneous release of TNF-α in human synovium tissue explants of rheumatoid arthritis patients with an IC50 of 0.8 μM. In vivo, TMI-2 potently inhibits LPS-induced TNF-α production in mice (ED50=3 mg/kg). In the adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model in rats, treatment with TMI-2 at 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg p.o. b.i.d. was highly effective in reducing joint arthritis scores. In a semi-therapeutic collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in mice, TMI-2 is highly effective in reducing disease severity scores after oral treatment at 100 mg/kg twice per day. In summary, TMI-2 is a potent and selective TACE inhibitor that inhibits TNF-α production and reduces the arthritis scores in pre-clinical models. TMI-2 represents a novel class of TACE inhibitors that may be effective and beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as well as other TNF-mediated inflammatory autoimmune diseases.     

Isatin sulfonamide analogs containing a Michael addition acceptor: a new class of caspase 3/7 inhibitors

A series of isatin sulfonamide analogs having a Michael acceptor were prepared and their potencies for inhibiting caspase-1, -3, -6, -7, and -8 were evaluated. These compounds have nanomolar potency for inhibiting the executioner caspases, caspase-3 and caspase-7, and have a low potency for inhibiting caspase-1, caspase-6, and caspase-8. The inhibition mechanism was investigated through NMR studies of the reaction between 11d and benzylmercaptan as a model for Cys-285 in the active site of caspase-3.     

Involvement of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and CYP2D6 in the metabolism of (R)- and (S)-methadone in vitro.

To clarify the oxidative metabolism of methadone (R)- and (S)-enantiomers, the depletion of parent (R)- and (S)-methadone and the formation of racemic 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphe-nylpyrolidine were studied using human liver microsomes and recombinant cytochrome P450 enzymes. Based on studies with isoform-selective chemical inhibitors and expressed enzymes, CYP3A4 was the predominant enzyme involved in the metabolism of (R)-methadone. However, it has different stereoselectivity toward (R)- and (S)-methadone. In recombinant CYP3A4, the metabolic clearance of (R)-methadone was about 4-fold higher than that of (S)-methadone. CYP2C8 is also involved in the metabolism of methadone, but its contribution to the metabolism of (R)-methadone was smaller than that of CYP3A4. But for the metabolism of (S)-methadone, the roles of CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 appeared equal. Although CYP2D6 is involved in the metabolism of (R)- and (S)-methadone, its role was smaller compared with CYP3A4 and CYP2C8. Using clinically relevant concentrations of ketoconazole (1 microM, selective CYP3A4 inhibitor), trimethoprim (100 microM, selective CYP2C8 inhibitor), and paroxetine (5 microM, potent CYP2D6 inhibitor), these inhibitors decreased the hepatic metabolism of (R)-[(S)-]methadone by 69% (47%), 22% (51%), and 41% (77%), respectively. However, inhibition of the metabolism of (R)- and (S)-methadone by paroxetine was due to inhibition not only of CYP2D6, but also CYP3A4 and, to a minor extent, CYP2C8. The present in vitro findings indicated that CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and CYP2D6 are all involved in the stereoselective metabolism of methadone (R)- and (S)-enantiomers. These data suggest that coadministration of inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 may produce clinically significant drug-drug interactions with methadone.     

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 6,7-disubstituted 4-anilinoquinoline-3-carbonitriles. The design of an orally active,irreversible inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)

A series of of 6,7-disubstituted-4-anilinoquinoline-3-carbonitrile derivatives that function as irreversible inhibitors of EGFR and HER-2 kinases have been prepared. These inhibitors have, at the 6-position, butynamide, crotonamide, and methacrylamide Michael acceptors bearing water-solublilizing substituents. These compounds were prepared by acylation of 6-amino-4-(arylamino)quinoline-3-carbonitriles with unsaturated acid chlorides or mixed anhydrides. We performed competitive reactivity studies showing that attaching a dialkylamino group onto the end of the Michael acceptor results in compounds with greater reactivity due to intramolecular catalysis of the Michael addition. This, along with improved water-solubility results in compounds with enhanced biological properties. We present molecular modeling results consistent with the proposed mechanism of inhibition. One compound, 5 (EKB-569), which shows excellent oral in vivo activity, was selected for further studies and is currently in phase I clinical trials for the treatment of cancer.     

Characterization of (2R, 3S)-2-([[4-(2-butynyloxy)phenyl]sulfonyl]amino)-N,3-dihydroxybutanamide, a potent and selective inhibitor of TNF-alpha converting enzyme

TNF-alpha converting enzyme (TACE) is a validated therapeutic target for the development of oral tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors. Here we report the pre-clinical results and characterization of a selective and potent TACE inhibitor, (2R, 3S)-2-([[4-(2-butynyloxy)phenyl]sulfonyl]amino)-N,3-dihydroxybutanamide (TMI-2), in various in vitro and in vivo assays. TMI-2 is a potent TACE inhibitor in an enzymatic FRET assay (IC50=2 nM). It is more than 250-fold selective over MMP-1, -7, -9, -14, and ADAM-10 in vitro. In cell-based assays and human whole blood, TMI-2 inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF secretion with IC50s<1 uM. Importantly, TMI-2 inhibits the spontaneous release of TNF-alpha in human synovium tissue explants of rheumatoid arthritis patients with an IC50 of 0.8 microM. In vivo, TMI-2 potently inhibits LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in mice (ED50=3 mg/kg). In the adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model in rats, treatment with TMI-2 at 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg p.o. b.i.d. was highly effective in reducing joint arthritis scores. In a semi-therapeutic collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in mice, TMI-2 is highly effective in reducing disease severity scores after oral treatment at 100 mg/kg twice per day. In summary, TMI-2 is a potent and selective TACE inhibitor that inhibits TNF-alpha production and reduces the arthritis scores in pre-clinical models. TMI-2 represents a novel class of TACE inhibitors that may be effective and beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as well as other TNF-mediated inflammatory autoimmune diseases.     

(+)-N-3-Benzyl-nirvanol and (-)-N-3-benzyl-phenobarbital: new potent and selective in vitro inhibitors of CYP2C19.

Highly potent and selective CYP2C19 inhibitors are not currently available. In the present study, N-3-benzyl derivatives of nirvanol and phenobarbital were synthesized, their respective (+)- and (-)-enantiomers resolved chromatographically, and inhibitor potencies determined for these compounds toward CYP2C19 and other human liver cytochromes P450 (P450s). (-)-N-3-Benzyl-phenobarbital and (+)-N-3-benzyl-nirvanol were found to be highly potent, competitive inhibitors of recombinant CYP2C19, exhibiting K(i) values of 79 and 250 nM, respectively, whereas their antipodes were 20- to 60-fold less potent. In human liver preparations, (-)-N-3-benzyl-phenobarbital and (+)-N-3-benzyl-nirvanol inhibited (S)-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylase activity, a marker for native microsomal CYP2C19, with K(i) values ranging from 71 to 94 nM and 210 to 280 nM, respectively. At single substrate concentrations of 0.3 microM [(-)-N-3-benzyl-phenobarbital] and 1 microM [(+)-N-3-benzyl-nirvanol] that were used to examine inhibition of a panel of cDNA-expressed P450 isoforms, neither CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C8, 2C9, 2D6, 2E1, nor 3A4 activities were decreased by greater than 16%. In contrast, CYP2C19 activity was inhibited approximately 80% under these conditions. Therefore, (+)-N-3-benzyl-nirvanol and (-)-N-3-benzyl-phenobarbital represent new, highly potent and selective inhibitors of CYP2C19 that are likely to prove generally useful for screening purposes during early phases of drug metabolism studies with new chemical entities.