Deirdre Mary Bernadette Hickey

The identification of clinical candidate SB-480848: a potent inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2

Modification of the pyrimidone 5-substituent in clinical candidate SB-435495 has given a series of inhibitors of recombinant lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) with sub-nanomolar potency. Cyclopentyl fused derivative 21, SB-480848, showed an enhanced in vitro and in vivo profile versus SB-435495 and has been selected for progression to man.

5-Aryl-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridazines: potent inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3)

Introduction of a nitrogen atom into the 6-position of a series of pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines led to a dramatic improvement in the potency of GSK-3 inhibition. Rationalisation of the binding mode suggested participation of a putative structural water molecule, which was subsequently confirmed by X-ray crystallography.

Lipoprotein-associated PLA2 inhibition : a novel, non-lipid lowering strategy for atherosclerosis therapy

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a serine lipase that is associated with low density lipoprotein (LDL) in human plasma. Substrates include oxidised phosphatidylcholine (PC), which is hydrolysed by Lp-PLA2 to lyso-PC and oxidised fatty acids. Both products are bioactive and proinflammatory, and implicated in monocyte infiltration into the developing plaque, deposition of foam cells, and plaque progression and instability. Lp-PLA2 has recently been shown to be a risk factor for coronary events in previously asymptomatic, hypercholesterolaemic men. A series of azetidinones was designed as potent and selective inhibitors of this enzyme; SB-222657 inhibited release of the chemotactic cleavage products from oxidised LDL, and SB-244323 reduced atherosclerotic plaque development in a 3 month rabbit study. A series of pyrimidones has been designed from a screening hit, and nanomolar inhibitors identified. Oral efficacy in inhibiting plasma Lp-PLA2 in rabbits has been demonstrated with a variety of structural classes.

The discovery of SB-435495: A potent, orally active inhibitor of lipoprotein-Associated phospholipase A2 for evaluation in man

The introduction of a functionalised amido substituent into a series of 1-(biphenylmethylacetamido)-pyrimidones has given a series of inhibitors of recombinant lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) with sub-nanomolar potency and very encouraging developability properties. Diethylaminoethyl derivative 32, SB-435495, was selected for progression to man.

Potent, orally active inhibitors of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2: 1-(biphenylmethylamidoalkyl)-pyrimidones

A series of 1-(biphenylmethylamidoalkyl)-pyrimidones has been designed as nanomolar inhibitors of recombinant lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) with high potency in whole human plasma. 5-(Pyrazolylmethyl) derivative 16 and 5-(methoxypyrimidinylmethyl) derivative 27 demonstrated excellent pharmacodynamic profiles which correlated well with their pharmacokinetic effects.

1-(Arylpiperazinylamidoalkyl)-pyrimidones: orally active inhibitors of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2

The lipophilic 1-substituent in a series of 1-((amidolinked)-alkyl)-pyrimidones, inhibitors of recombinant lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2), has been modified to give inhibitors of high potency in human plasma and enhanced physicochemical properties. Phenylpiperazineacetamide derivative 23 shows very promising oral activity.

The identification of a potent, water soluble inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2

Modification of the pyrimidone 5-substituent in a series of 1-((amidolinked)-alkyl)-pyrimidones, lipophilic inhibitors of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, has given inhibitors of nanomolar potency and improved physicochemical properties. Compound 23 was identified as a potent, highly water soluble. CNS penetrant inhibitor suitable for intravenous administration.