Roger Victor Bonnert

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 8-Oxoadenine Derivatives as Toll-like Receptor 7 Agonists Introducing the Antedrug Concept

Systemic administration of a Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist is effective to in suppressing Th2 derived inflammation, however systemic induction of various cytokines such as IL-6, IL-12, and type I interferon (IFN) is observed. This cytokine induction would be expected to cause flu-like symptoms. We have previously reported adenine compounds (3, 4) as interferon inducing agents acting as TLR7 agonists. To identify potent anti-inflammatory compounds without systemic side effects, a labile carboxylic ester as an antedrug functionality onto the N(9)-benzyl group of the adenine was introduced. We found that 9e was a potent TLR7 agonist (EC(50) 50 nM) and rapidly metabolized by human plasma (T(1/2) 2.6 min) to the pharmacologically much less active carboxylic acid 16. Intratracheal administration of 9e effectively inhibited allergen-induced airway inflammation without inducing cytokines systemically. Therefore, the TLR7 agonist with antedrug characteristics 9e (SM-324405) is a novel candidate for immunotherapy of allergic diseases.

Substituted indole-1-acetic acids as potent and selective CRTh2 antagonists-discovery of AZD1981.

Novel indole-3-thio-, 3-sulfonyl- and 3-oxy-aryl-1-acetic acids are reported which are potent, selective antagonists of the chemoattractant receptor-homologous expressed on Th2 lymphocytes receptor (CRTh2 or DP2). Optimization required maintenance of high CRTh2 potency whilst achieving a concomitant reduction in rates of metabolism, removal of cyp p450 inhibition and minimization of aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase activity. High quality compounds suitable for in vivo studies are highlighted, culminating in the discovery of AZD1981 (22).

Fused mesoionic heterocycles: synthesis of [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]quinoline, [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]quinazoline, [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]quinoxaline and [1,2,3]triazolo[5,1-c]benzotriazine derivatives

General methods are descibed for the synthesis of mesoionic derivatives of [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]quinoline, [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]quinazoline, [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]quinoxaline and [1,2,3]triazolo[5,1-c]benzotriazine.

Synthesis and evaluation of 8-oxoadenine derivatives as potent Toll-like receptor 7 agonists with high water solubility

We report the discovery of novel series of highly potent TLR7 agonists based on 8-oxoadenines, 1 and 2 by introducing and optimizing various tertiary amines onto the N(9)-position of the adenine moiety. The introduction of the amino group resulted in not only improved water solubility but also enhanced TLR7 agonistic activity. In particular compound 20 (DSR-6434) indicated an optimal balance between the agonistic potency and high water solubility. It also demonstrated a strong antitumor effect in vivo by intravenous administration in a tumor bearing mice model.

Design driven HtL: The discovery and synthesis of new high efficacy β2-agonists

The design and synthesis of a new series of high efficacy β(2)-agonists devoid of the key benzylic alcohol present in previously described highly efficacious β(2)-agonists is reported. A hypothesis for the unprecedented level of efficacy is proposed based on considerations of β(2)-adrenoceptor crystal structure, other biophysical data and modeling studies.

A simple, user-friendly process for the homologation of aldehydes using tosylhydrazone salts

Abstract Aldehydes can be homologated to ketones in moderate to good yields using aryldiazomethanes generated in situ from tosylhydrazones. Chiral aldehydes can be employed with almost complete retention of configuration. The tosylhydrazones can also be generated in situ from the corresponding aldehyde leading to a one-pot process for coupling two different carbonyl compounds to give ketones.

Discovery of AZD3199, An Inhaled Ultralong Acting β2 Receptor Agonist with Rapid Onset of Action.

A series of dibasic des-hydroxy β2 receptor agonists has been prepared and evaluated for potential as inhaled ultralong acting bronchodilators. Determination of activities at the human β-adrenoreceptors demonstrated a series of highly potent and selective β2 receptor agonists that were progressed to further study in a guinea pig histamine-induced bronchoconstriction model. Following further assessment by onset studies in guinea pig tracheal rings and human bronchial rings contracted with methacholine (guinea pigs) or carbachol (humans), duration of action studies in guinea pigs after intratracheal (i.t.) administration and further selectivity and safety profiling AZD3199 was shown to have an excellent over all profile and was progressed into clinical evaluation as a new ultralong acting inhaled β2 receptor agonist with rapid onset of action.

Biochemical and pharmacological characterization of AZD1981, an orally available selective DP2 antagonist in clinical development for asthma.

The discovery of DP2 as a second receptor for PGD2 has prompted the search for antagonists as potential novel therapies based on the associations between PGD2 and disease. Here we describe the biochemical and pharmacological properties of 4‐(acetylamino)‐3‐[(4‐chlorophenyl)thio]‐2‐methyl‐1H‐indole‐1‐acetic acid (AZD1981), a novel DP2 receptor antagonist.

Switching between agonists and antagonists at CRTh2 in a series of highly potent and selective biaryl phenoxyacetic acids

A novel series of biaryl phenoxyacetic acids was discovered as potent, selective antagonists of the chemoattractant receptor-homologous expressed on Th2 lymphocytes receptor (CRTh2 or DP2). A hit compound 4 was discovered from high throughput screening. Modulation of multiple aryl substituents afforded both agonists and antagonists, with small changes often reversing the mode of action. Understanding the complex SAR allowed design of potent antagonists such as potential candidate 34.

Zwitterionic CRTh2 Antagonists

A novel series of zwitterions is reported that contains potent, selective antagonists of the chemoattractant receptor-homologous expressed on Th2 lymphocytes receptor (CRTh2 or DP2). A high quality lead compound 2 was discovered from virtual screening based on the pharmacophore features present in a literature compound 1. Lead optimization through side chain modification and preliminary changes around the acid are disclosed. Optimization of physicochemical properties (log D, MWt, and HBA) allowed maintenance of high CRTh2 potency while achieving low rates of metabolism and minimization of other potential concerns such as hERG channel activity and permeability. A step-change increase in potency was achieved through addition of a single methyl group onto the piperazine ring, which gave high quality compounds suitable for progression into in vivo studies.