Christopher Gordon Barber

Selective urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) inhibitors. Part 1: 2-Pyridinylguanidines.

The identification of 2-pyridinylguanidines (e.g., 27 and 28) as selective inhibitors of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is described. The X-ray crystal structure of 27 has been determined, and modelling has been used to predict binding in the enzyme active site.

Selective urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) inhibitors. Part 2: (3-Substituted-5-halo-2-pyridinyl)guanidines

Based on previous modeling predictions, a series of (3-substituted-5-chloro-2-pyridinyl)guanidines have been designed with good potency and selectivity for urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Compound 36 has a K(i) of 0.17 microM and greater than 300-fold selectivity with respect to tPA and plasmin.

1-Amido-1-phenyl-3-piperidinylbutanes - CCR5 antagonists for the treatment of HIV. Part 1.

The development of a new class of CCR5 antagonist replacing the tropane core of maraviroc by piperidine with a branched N-substituent is described. Compound 15h shows good whole cell antiviral activity together with microsomal stability and only weak activity at the hERG ion channel.

The discovery of UK-369003, a novel PDE5 inhibitor with the potential for oral bioavailability and dose-proportional pharmacokinetics

This paper describes our recent efforts to design and synthesise potent and selective PDE5 inhibitors and the use of in vitro predictors of clearance, absorption and permeability to maximise the potential for dose-proportional pharmacokinetics and good oral bioavailability in man. Optimisation of the preclinical profile resulted in the identification of UK-369003 (19a) and its nomination as a clinical candidate. The clinical pharmacokinetic and safety profile has enabled us to progress the compound to test its efficacy in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and a paper describing its efficacy has recently been published.

The design and discovery of novel amide CCR5 antagonists.

The synthesis of a range of novel amine-containing structures and their primary potency as inhibitors of HIV-1 fusion via blocking of the CCR5 receptor is described. The development of the medicinal chemistry strategy and SARs which led to the identification of the piperidine amide compounds 33 and 36 as excellent leads for further evaluation is described, along with key physicochemical data which highlighted their lead potential.

Stereoselective synthesis of 2,3-difunctionalised thioesters using nucleophilic epoxidation of 1-arylthio-1-nitroalkenes

Stereoselective nucleophilic epoxidation of protected 3-amino and 3-hydroxy-substituted 1-arylthio-1-nitroalkenes, followed by intramolecular capture involving the amino and hydroxyl protecting groups, has led to the formation of isomeric oxazolidinones 5 and 7, and a cyclic carbonate 11. Together with the oxazolidinone precursor anti-alpha-bromo thioester 15a, the absolute and relative stereochemistry of these compounds has been determined by X-ray crystallography.