David Thomas Davies

Preparation of N-Heterocycles by Radical Cyclisation of Enamides Mediated by Manganese(III) or Copper(I). A Comparison of Cyclisation Methods

Abstract Reaction of enamides with manganese(III) acetate or copper(I) chloride/bipyridine has been investigated. In both cases, an initial 5- endo - trig radical cyclisation reaction took place to produce functionalised pyrrolidinones. The copper(I)-mediated cyclisations were very efficient and bicyclic dienes could be isolated in >80% yield, while the corresponding manganese(III) reactions were generally more problematic, giving related dienes in lower yield (35–52%).

Novel hydroxyl tricyclics (e.g., GSK966587) as potent inhibitors of bacterial type IIA topoisomerases

During the course of our research to find novel mode of action antibacterials, we discovered a series of hydroxyl tricyclic compounds that showed good potency against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. These compounds inhibit bacterial type IIA topoisomerases. Herein we will discuss structure-activity relationships in this series and report advanced studies on compound 1 (GSK966587) which demonstrates good PK and in vivo efficacy properties. X-ray crystallographic studies were used to provide insight into the structural basis for the difference in antibacterial potency between enantiomers.

Design, synthesis and structure–activity relationships of substituted oxazole–benzamide antibacterial inhibitors of FtsZ

The design, synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a series of oxazole-benzamide inhibitors of the essential bacterial cell division protein FtsZ are described. Compounds had potent anti-staphylococcal activity and inhibited the cytokinesis of the clinically-significant bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Selected analogues possessing a 5-halo oxazole also inhibited a strain of S. aureus harbouring the glycine-to-alanine amino acid substitution at residue 196 of FtsZ which conferred resistance to previously reported inhibitors in the series. Substitutions to the pseudo-benzylic carbon of the scaffold improved the pharmacokinetic properties by increasing metabolic stability and provided a mechanism for creating pro-drugs. Combining multiple substitutions based on the findings reported in this study has provided small-molecule inhibitors of FtsZ with enhanced in vitro and in vivo antibacterial efficacy.

Novel amino-piperidines as potent antibacterials targeting bacterial type IIA topoisomerases.

We have identified a series of amino-piperidine antibacterials with a good broad spectrum potency. We report the investigation of various subunits in this series and advanced studies on compound 8. Compound 8 possesses good pharmacokinetics, broad spectrum antibacterial activity and demonstrates oral efficacy in a rat lung infection model.

Novel cyclohexyl-amides as potent antibacterials targeting bacterial type IIA topoisomerases

As part of our wider efforts to exploit novel mode of action antibacterials, we have discovered a series of cyclohexyl-amide compounds that has good Gram positive and Gram negative potency. The mechanism of action is via inhibition of bacterial topoisomerases II and IV. We have investigated various subunits in this series and report advanced studies on compound 7 which demonstrates good PK and in vivo efficacy properties.

A Flexible, Stereoselective Approach to the Decorated cis‐Hydrindane Skeleton: Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Faurinone

Findley, Thomas J. K. Sucunza, David Miller, Laura C. Davies, David T. Procter, David J. 40 WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH WEINHEIM 340ZN

Copper(I) reactions in N-heterocycle synthesis: efficient preparation of substituted pyrrolidinones

Reaction of halo-enamides with copper(I) chloride in boiling toluene has been shown to produce unsaturated pyrrolidinones in excellent yield (81–94%). Both di- and trichloroamide precursors can be used to form dienes via an initial 5-endo-trig radical cyclisation.

Manganese(III) reactions in N-heterocycle synthesis: The preparation of substituted pyrrolidinones

Abstract The reaction of various N -acyl enamines with manganese(III) acetate in boiling methanol has been explored. This was shown to produce functionalised pyrrolidinones via a 5- endo-trig radical cyclisation.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of α-substituted isonipecotic acid benzothiazole analogues as potent bacterial type II topoisomerase inhibitors.

The discovery and optimisation of a new class of benzothiazole small molecules that inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV are described. Antibacterial properties have been demonstrated by activity against DNA gyrase ATPase and potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae. Further refinements to the scaffold designed to enhance drug-likeness included analogues bearing an α-substituent to the carboxylic acid group, resulting in excellent solubility and favourable pharmacokinetic properties.

Novel tricyclics (e.g., GSK945237) as potent inhibitors of bacterial type IIA topoisomerases.

During the course of our research on the lead optimisation of the NBTI (Novel Bacterial Type II Topoisomerase Inhibitors) class of antibacterials, we discovered a series of tricyclic compounds that showed good Gram-positive and Gram-negative potency. Herein we will discuss the various subunits that were investigated in this series and report advanced studies on compound 1 (GSK945237) which demonstrates good PK and in vivo efficacy properties.