Inger Kers

Phenethyl nicotinamides, a novel class of NaV1.7 channel blockers: Structure and activity relationship

The Na(V)1.7 ion channel is an attractive target for development of potential analgesic drugs based on strong genetic links between mutations in the gene coding for the channel protein and inheritable pain conditions. The (S)-N-chroman-3-ylcarboxamide series, exemplified by 1, was used as a starting point for development of new channel blockers, resulting in the phenethyl nicotinamide series. The structure and activity relationship for this series was established and the metabolic issues of early analogues were addressed by appropriate substitutions. Compound 33 displayed acceptable overall in vitro properties and in vivo rat PK profile.

Structure and activity relationship in the (S)-N-chroman-3-ylcarboxamide series of voltage-gated sodium channel blockers

Recent findings showing a relation between mutations in the Na(V)1.7 channel in humans and altered pain sensation has contributed to increase the attractiveness of this ion channel as target for development of potential analgesics. Amido chromanes 1 and 2 were identified as blockers of the Na(V)1.7 channel and analogues with modifications of the 5-substituent and the carboxamide part of the molecule were prepared to establish the structure-activity relationship. Compounds 13 and 29 with good overall in vitro and in vivo rat PK profile were identified. Furthermore, 29 showed in vivo efficacy in a nociceptive pain model.

Potent and orally efficacious benzothiazole amides as TRPV1 antagonists.

Benzothiazole amides were identified as TRPV1 antagonists from high throughput screening using recombinant human TRPV1 receptor and structure-activity relationships were explored to pinpoint key pharmacophore interactions. By increasing aqueous solubility, through the attachment of polar groups to the benzothiazole core, and enhancing metabolic stability, by blocking metabolic sites, the drug-like properties and pharmokinetic profiles of benzothiazole compounds were sufficiently optimized such that their therapeutic potential could be verified in rat pharmacological models of pain.