Discovery of potent, orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitors of the human CCR2 receptor.
We recently reported the discovery of a series of 2-thioimidazoles as CCR2 antagonists. The most potent molecules of this series, the 4,5-diesters, were rapidly hydrolyzed to the inactive acids and were found to be metabolically unstable. Herein we describe the synthesis of a number of analogues with heterocyclic bioisosteric replacements of the ester group(s). Small 5-membered heterocyclic substituents at the 4-position gave highly potent CCR2 antagonists. Hydrolysis of the 5-ester is diminished, thus imparting these compounds with sufficient stability and systemic exposure after oral administration to warrant further study of the in vivo pharmacology of these functional CCR2 inhibitors.
Doyon
Julien
J
Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Research and Early Development Europe, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium. jdoyon@prdbe.jnj.com
Coesemans
Erwin
E
Boeckx
Staf
S
Buntinx
Mieke
M
Hermans
Bart
B
Van Wauwe
Jean P
JP
Gilissen
Ron A H J
RA
De Groot
Alex H J
AH
Corens
David
D
Van Lommen
Guy
G
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001682:Biological Availability; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002460:Cell Line; D018932:Chemokine CCL2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D004355:Drug Stability; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D054390:Receptors, CCR2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
C111835:CCL2 protein, human; C515334:CCR2 protein, human; D018932:Chemokine CCL2; D007093:Imidazoles; D054390:Receptors, CCR2; D002118:Calcium