Andrew John Cooke

A three-step tandem process for the synthesis of bicyclic γ-lactams

A one-pot, three-step tandem process has been developed for the direct synthesis of functionalised bicyclic [3.3.0], [4.3.0] and [5.3.0] gamma-lactams from simple allylic trichloroacetimidates. The process involves a palladium(ii) mediated Overman rearrangement followed by the use of Grubbs first generation complex which catalyzes both a ring closing metathesis reaction and a Kharasch cyclization. As well as exploring the scope of this process for the synthesis of a range of functionalised bicyclic gamma-lactams, the use of chiral palladium(ii) catalysts during the Overman rearrangement for the enantioselective synthesis of the bicyclic gamma-lactams is also demonstrated.

Novel Pyridyl Substituted 4,5-Dihydro- (1,2,4)triazolo(4,3‑a)quinolines as Potent and Selective Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitors with Improved in Vitro Metabolic Stability

CYP11B2 inhibition is a promising treatment for diseases caused by excessive aldosterone. To improve the metabolic stability in human liver miscrosomes of previously reported CYP11B2 inhibitors, modifications were performed via a combination of ligand- and structure-based drug design approaches, leading to pyridyl 4,5-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinolones. Compound 26 not only exhibited a much longer half-life (t1/2 ≫ 120 min), but also sustained inhibitory potency (IC50 = 4.2 nM) and selectivity over CYP11B1 (SF = 422), CYP17, CYP19, and a panel of hepatic CYP enzymes.

Discovery of Benzimidazole CYP11B2 Inhibitors with in Vivo Activity in Rhesus Monkeys

We report the discovery of a benzimidazole series of CYP11B2 inhibitors. Hit-to-lead and lead optimization studies identified compounds such as 32, which displays potent CYP11B2 inhibition, high selectivity versus related CYP targets, and good pharmacokinetic properties in rat and rhesus. In a rhesus pharmacodynamic model, 32 produces dose-dependent aldosterone lowering efficacy, with no apparent effect on cortisol levels.

Identification and in Vivo Evaluation of Liver X Receptor β-Selective Agonists for the Potential Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Herein, we describe the development of a functionally selective liver X receptor β (LXRβ) agonist series optimized for Emax selectivity, solubility, and physical properties to allow efficacy and safety studies in vivo. Compound 9 showed central pharmacodynamic effects in rodent models, evidenced by statistically significant increases in apolipoprotein E (apoE) and ATP-binding cassette transporter levels in the brain, along with a greatly improved peripheral lipid safety profile when compared to those of full dual agonists. These findings were replicated by subchronic dosing studies in non-human primates, where cerebrospinal fluid levels of apoE and amyloid-β peptides were increased concomitantly with an improved peripheral lipid profile relative to that of nonselective compounds. These results suggest that optimization of LXR agonists for Emax selectivity may have the potential to circumvent the adverse lipid-related effects of hepatic LXR activity.