Claudio Sturino

Structure-activity relationship of cinnamic acylsulfonamide analogues on the human EP3 prostanoid receptor

Potent and selective antagonists of the human EP3 receptor have been identified. The structure-activity relationship of the chemical series was conducted and we found several analogues displaying sub-nanomolar K(i) values at the EP3 receptor and micromolar activities at the EP1, EP2 and EP4 receptors. The effect of added human serum albumin (HSA) on the binding affinity at the EP3 receptor was also investigated.

A convenient method for the preparation of acylsulfonamide libraries

Abstract The preparation of an acylsulfonamide library is described using resin bound EDC (1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide). A polymer supported sulfonic acid (A-15) is used as a scavenger to remove dimethylaminopyridine and purification only involves filtration of the reaction mixture. This method provides the acylsulfonamides products in good yields and purity.

Monitoring Drug Self-Aggregation and Potential for Promiscuity in Off-Target In Vitro Pharmacology Screens by a Practical NMR Strategy

A simple NMR assay was applied to monitor the tendency of compounds to self-aggregate in aqueous media. The observation of unusual spectral trends as a function of compound concentration appears to be signatory of the formation of self-assemblies. (1)H NMR resonances of aggregating compounds were sensitive to the presence of a range of molecular assemblies in solution including large molecular-size entities, smaller multimers, and mixtures of assembled species. The direct observation of aggregates via unusual NMR spectra also correlated with promiscuous behavior of molecules in off-target in vitro pharmacology assays. This empirical assay can have utility for predicting compound promiscuity and should complement predictive methods that principally rely on the computing of descriptors such as lipophilicity (cLogP) and topological surface area (TPSA). This assay should serve as a practical tool for medicinal chemists to monitor compound attributes in aqueous solution and various pharmacologically relevant media, as demonstrated herein.

A RING CLOSING METATHESIS-OSMYLATION APPROACH TO OXYGENATED OXEPANES AS CARBOHYDRATE SURROGATES

Abstract A ring closing metathesis (RCM)-osmylation sequence has been developed for the formation of highly oxygenated cyclic ethers from the corresponding acyclic dienes. A systematic examination of various substrates in this reaction revealed that the process is general in scope and is insensitive to the number of alkoxy substituents present. Subsequent osmylation of the metathesis product proceeds with excellent diastereoselectivity to furnish highly oxygenated oxepanes. These oxepanes represent one-carbon homologated carbohydrates.

A concise synthesis of 3-hydroxyindole-2-carboxylates by a modified Baeyer–Villiger oxidation

Abstract Indole-2-carboxylates are converted in good yields to 3-hydroxyindole-2-carboxylates by use of a Vilsmeier–Haack/Baeyer–Villiger reaction sequence. A systematic examination of the various indole substituents revealed this route to be general in scope.

Potent and selective 5-LO inhibitor bearing benzothiophene pharmacophore: Discovery of MK-5286 ☆

The strategy and SAR studies that led to the discovery of a novel potent and orally available 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-({4-[(1S)-1-hydroxy-1-(trifluoromethyl)propyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl}methyl)-1-benzothiophene-2-carboxamide ((S)-2l or MK-5286) were described.

Naphthalene/quinoline amides and sulfonylureas as potent and selective antagonists of the EP4 receptor.

Two new series of EP(4) antagonists based on naphthalene/quinoline scaffolds have been identified as part of our on-going efforts to develop treatments for inflammatory pain. One series contains an acidic sulfonylurea pharmacophore, whereas the other is a neutral amide. Both series show subnanomolar intrinsic binding potency towards the EP(4) receptor, and excellent selectivity towards other prostanoid receptors. While the amide series generally displays poor pharmacokinetic parameters, the sulfonylureas exhibit greatly improved profile. MF-592, the optimal compound from the sulfonylurea series, has a desirable overall preclinical profile that suggests it is suitable for further development.