Search

[Image: see text] Herein, we report the SAR leading to the discovery of VU6028418, a potent M(4) mAChR antagonist with high subtype-selectivity and attractive DMPK properties in vitro and in vivo across multiple species. VU6028418 was subsequently evaluated as a preclinical candidate for the treatment of dystonia and other movement disorders. During the characterization of VU6028418, a novel use of deuterium incorporation as a means to modulate CYP inhibition was also discovered.

Nonselective antagonists of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) that broadly inhibit all five mAChR subtypes provide an efficacious treatment for some movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease and dystonia. Despite their efficacy in these and other central nervous system disorders, antimuscarinic therapy has limited utility due to severe adverse effects that often limit their tolerability by patients. Recent advances in understanding the roles that each mAChR subtype plays in disease pathology suggest that highly selective ligands for individual subtypes may underlie the antiparkinsonian and antidystonic efficacy observed with the use of nonselective antimuscarinic therapeutics. Our recent work has indicated that the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor has several important roles in opposing aberrant neurotransmitter release, intracellular signaling pathways, and brain circuits associated with movement disorders. This raises the possibility that selective antagonists of M4 may recapitulate the efficacy of nonselective antimuscarinic therapeutics and may decrease or eliminate the adverse effects associated with these drugs. However, this has not been directly tested due to lack of selective antagonists of M4. Here, we utilize genetic mAChR knockout animals in combination with nonselective mAChR antagonists to confirm that the M4 receptor activation is required for the locomotor-stimulating and antiparkinsonian efficacy in rodent models. We also report the synthesis, discovery, and characterization of the first-in-class selective M4 antagonists VU6013720, VU6021302, and VU6021625 and confirm that these optimized compounds have antiparkinsonian and antidystonic efficacy in pharmacological and genetic models of movement disorders.

This letter describes progress towards an M4 PAM preclinical candidate inspired by an unexpected aldehyde oxidase (AO) metabolite of a novel, CNS penetrant thieno[2,3-c]pyridine core to an equipotent, non-CNS penetrant thieno[2,3-c]pyrdin-7(6H)-one core. Medicinal chemistry design efforts yielded two novel tricyclic cores that enhanced M4 PAM potency, regained CNS penetration, displayed favorable DMPK properties and afforded robust in vivo efficacy in reversing amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion in rats.

Non-selective antagonists of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) that broadly inhibit all five mAChR subtypes provide an efficacious treatment for some movement disorders, including Parkinson disease and dystonia. Despite their efficacy in these and other central nervous system disorders, anti-muscarinic therapy has limited utility due to severe adverse effects that often limit their tolerability by patients. Recent advances in understanding the roles that each mAChR subtype plays in disease pathology suggest that highly selective ligands for individual subtypes may underlie the anti-parkinsonian and anti-dystonic efficacy observed with the use of non-selective anti-muscarinic therapeutics. Our recent work has indicated that the M4muscarinic acetylcholine receptor has several important roles in opposing aberrant neurotransmitter release, intracellular signaling pathways, and brain circuits associated with movement disorders. This raises the possibility that selective antagonists of M4may recapitulate the efficacy of non-selective anti-muscarinic therapeutics and may decrease or eliminate the adverse effects associated with these drugs. However, this has not been directly tested due to lack of selective antagonists of M4. Here we utilize genetic mAChR knockout animals in combination with non-selective mAChR antagonists to confirm that the M4receptor underlies the locomotor-stimulating and anti-parkinsonian efficacy in rodent models. We also report the synthesis, discovery, and characterization of the first-in-class selective M4antagonists VU6013720, VU6021302, and VU6021625 and confirm that these optimized compounds have anti-parkinsonian and anti-dystonic efficacy in pharmacological and genetic models of movement disorders.

Selective activation of the M(1) subtype of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, via positive allosteric modulation (PAM), is an exciting strategy to improve cognition in schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease patients. However, highly potent M(1) ago-PAMs, such as MK-7622, PF-06764427, and PF-06827443, can engender excessive activation of M(1), leading to agonist actions in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) that impair cognitive function, induce behavioral convulsions, and result in other classic cholinergic adverse events (AEs). Here, we report a fundamentally new and highly selective M(1) PAM, VU0486846. VU0486846 possesses only weak agonist activity in M(1)-expressing cell lines with high receptor reserve and is devoid of agonist actions in the PFC, unlike previously reported ago-PAMs MK-7622, PF-06764427, and PF-06827443. Moreover, VU0486846 shows no interaction with antagonist binding at the orthosteric acetylcholine (ACh) site (e.g., neither bitopic nor displaying negative cooperativity with [(3)H]-NMS binding at the orthosteric site), no seizure liability at high brain exposures, and no cholinergic AEs. However, as opposed to ago-PAMs, VU0486846 produces robust efficacy in the novel object recognition model of cognitive function. Importantly, we show for the first time that an M(1) PAM can reverse the cognitive deficits induced by atypical antipsychotics, such as risperidone. These findings further strengthen the argument that compounds with modest in vitro M(1) PAM activity (EC(50) > 100 nM) and pure-PAM activity in native tissues display robust procognitive efficacy without AEs mediated by excessive activation of M(1). Overall, the combination of compound assessment with recombinant in vitro assays (mindful of receptor reserve), native tissue systems (PFC), and phenotypic screens (behavioral convulsions) is essential to fully understand and evaluate lead compounds and enhance success in clinical development.

The pharmacology of the M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) is the least understood of the five mAChR subtypes due to a historic lack of selective small molecule tools. To address this shortcoming, we have continued the optimization effort around the prototypical M5 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) ML380 and have discovered and optimized a new series of M5 PAMs based on a chiral N-(indanyl)piperidine amide core with robust SAR, human and rat M5 PAM EC50 values

In this manuscript, we report a series of chiral 6-azaspiro[2.5]octanes and related spirocycles as highly potent and selective antagonists of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype 4 (mAChR4). Chiral separation and subsequent X-ray crystallographic analysis of early generation analogs revealed the R enantiomer to possess excellent human and rat M4 potency, and further structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies on this chiral scaffold led to the discovery of VU6015241 (compound 19). Compound 19 is characterized by high M4 potency and selectivity across multiple species, excellent aqueous solubility, and moderate brain exposure in rodents after intraperitoneal administration.

This Letter details our efforts to develop novel tricyclic M4 PAM scaffolds with improved pharmacological properties. This endeavor involved a "tie-back" strategy to replace the 3-amino-4,6-dimethylthieno[2,3-b]pyridine-2-carboxamide core which lead to the discovery of two novel tricyclic cores: a 7,9-dimethylpyrido[3',2':4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine core and 2,4-dimethylthieno[2,3-b:5,4-c']dipyridine core. Both tricyclic cores displayed low nanomolar potency against the human M4 receptor.

Herein, we report the structure–activity relationships within a series of mGlu7 PAMs based on a pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine core with excellent CNS penetration (Kps > 1 and Kp,uus > 1). Analogues in this series proved to display a range of Group III mGlu receptor selectivity, but VU6005649 emerged as the first dual mGlu7/8 PAM, filling a void in the Group III mGlu receptor PAM toolbox and demonstrating in vivo efficacy in a mouse contextual fear conditioning model.

This Letter details the discovery and subsequent optimization of a novel M4 PAM scaffold based on an 6-fluoro-4-(piperidin-1-yl)quinoline-3-carbonitrile core, which represents a distinct departure from the classical M4 PAM chemotypes. Optimized compounds in this series demonstrated improved M4 PAM potency on both human and rat M4 (4 to 5-fold relative to HTS hit), and displayed attractive physicochemical and DMPK profiles, including good CNS penetration (rat brain:plasma Kp=5.3, Kp,uu=2.4; MDCK-MDR1 (P-gp) ER=1.1).

Herein, we detail the optimization of the mGlu2 negative allosteric modulator (NAM), VU6001192, by a reductionist approach to afford a novel, simplified mGlu2 NAM scaffold. This new chemotype not only affords potent and selective mGlu2 inhibition, as exemplified by VU6001966 (mGlu2 IC50 = 78 nM, mGlu3 IC50 > 30 μM), but also excellent central nervous system (CNS) penetration (Kp = 1.9, Kp,uu = 0.78), a feature devoid in all previously disclosed mGlu2 NAMs (Kps ≈ 0.3, Kp,uus ≈ 0.1). Moreover, this series, based on overall properties, represents an exciting lead series for potential mGlu2 PET tracer development.

This Letter describes the synthesis and structure activity relationship (SAR) studies of structurally novel M(4) antagonists, based on a 3-(4-aryl/heteroarylsulfonyl)piperazin-1-yl)-6-(piperidin-1-yl)pyridazine core, identified from a high-throughput screening campaign. A multidimensional optimization effort enhanced potency at human M(4) (hM(4) IC(50)s < 200 nM), with only moderate species differences noted, and with enantioselective inhibition. Moreover, CNS penetration proved attractive for this series (rat brain:plasma K(p) = 2.1, K(p,uu) = 1.1). Despite the absence of the prototypical mAChR antagonist basic or quaternary amine moiety, this series displayed pan-muscarinic antagonist activity across M(1-5) (with 9- to 16-fold functional selectivity at best). This series further expands the chemical diversity of mAChR antagonists.

This letter details the continued chemical optimization of a novel series of M4 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) based on a 5-amino-thieno[2,3-c]pyridazine core by incorporating a 3-amino azetidine amide moiety. The analogs described within this work represent the most potent M4 PAMs reported for this series to date. The SAR to address potency, clearance, subtype selectivity, CNS exposure, and P-gp efflux are described. This work culminated in the discovery of VU6000918, which demonstrated robust efficacy in a rat amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion reversal model at a minimum efficacious dose of 0.3 mg/kg. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

This letter describes the further chemical optimization of the 5-amino-thieno[2,3-c]pyridazine series (VU0467154/VU0467485) of M4 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), developed via iterative parallel synthesis, culminating in the discovery of the non-human primate (NHP) in vivo tool compound, VU0476406 (8p). VU0476406 is an important in vivo tool compound to enable translation of pharmacodynamics from rodent to NHP, and while data related to a Parkinson’s disease model has been reported with 8p, this is the first disclosure of the optimization and discovery of VU0476406, as well as detailed pharmacology and DMPK properties.

This letter describes the chemical optimization of a novel series of M4 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) based on a 5-amino-thieno[2,3-c]pyridazine core, developed via iterative parallel synthesis, and culminating in the highly utilized rodent in vivo tool compound, VU0467154 (5). This is the first report of the optimization campaign (SAR and DMPK profiling) that led to the discovery of VU0467154, and details all of the challenges faced in allosteric modulator programs (steep SAR, species differences in PAM pharmacology and subtle structural changes affecting CNS penetration).

Herein, we report the structure–activity relationships within a series of potent, selective, and orally bioavailable muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 4 (M4) positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). Compound 6c (VU0467485) possesses robust in vitro M4 PAM potency across species and in vivo efficacy in preclinical models of schizophrenia. Coupled with an attractive DMPK profile and suitable predicted human PK, 6c (VU0467485) was evaluated as a preclinical development candidate.

Further optimization of the VU0486321 series of highly selective and CNS-penetrant mGlu1 PAMs identified unique 'molecular switches' on the central aromatic ring that engendered positive cooperativity with multiple mGlu subtypes across the receptor family, resulting in compounds with comparable activity at Group I (mGlu1/5) and Group III (mGlu4/6/7/8) mGlu receptors, receptors. These exciting data suggests this PAM chemotype appears to bind to multiple mGlu receptors, and that subtype selectivity is dictated by the degree of cooperativity, not a subtype selective, unique allosteric binding site. Moreover, there is interesting therapeutic potential for mGlu1/4/7/8 PAMs, as well as the first report of a GPCR allosteric 'privileged structure'.

The 1,2,3-triazole has been successfully utilized as an amide bioisostere in multiple therapeutic contexts. Based on this precedent, triazole analogues derived from VX-809 and VX-770, prominent amide-containing modulators of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), were synthesized and evaluated for CFTR modulation. Triazole 11, derived from VX-809, displayed markedly reduced efficacy in F508del-CFTR correction in cellular TECC assays in comparison to VX-809. Surprisingly, triazole analogues derived from potentiator VX-770 displayed no potentiation of F508del, G551D, or WT-CFTR in cellular Ussing chamber assays. However, patch clamp analysis revealed that triazole 60 potentiates WT-CFTR similarly to VX-770. The efficacy of 60 in the cell-free patch clamp experiment suggests that the loss of activity in the cellular assay could be due to the inability of VX-770 triazole derivatives to reach the CFTR binding site. Moreover, in addition to the negative impact on biological activity, triazoles in both structural classes displayed decreased metabolic stability in human microsomes relative to the analogous amides. In contrast to the many studies that demonstrate the advantages of using the 1,2,3-triazole, these findings highlight the negative impacts that can arise from replacement of the amide with the triazole and suggest that caution is warranted when considering use of the 1,2,3-triazole as an amide bioisostere.

This Letter details our efforts to replace the 3-amino moiety, an essential pharmacophore for M4 PAM activity in most M4 PAMs to date, within the thieno[2,3-b]pyridine core, as the β-amino carboxamide motif has been shown to engender poor solubility, varying degrees of P-gp efflux and represents a structural alert. A scaffold hopping exercise identified a novel 2,4-dimethylquinoline carboxamide core that provided M4 PAM activity and good CNS penetration without an amino moiety. In addition, MacMillan photoredox catalysis chemistry was essential for construction of the 2,4-dimethylquinoline core.

Herein, we detail the optimization of the mGlu3 NAM, VU0650786, via a reductionist approach to afford a novel, simplified mGlu3 NAM scaffold that engenders potent and selective mGlu3 inhibition (mGlu3 IC50 = 245 nM, mGlu2 IC50 > 30 μM) with excellent central nervous system penetration (rat brain/plasma Kp = 1.2, Kp,uu = 0.40). Moreover, this new chemotype, exemplified by VU6010572, requires only four synthetic steps and displays improved physiochemical properties and in vivo efficacy in a mouse tail suspension test (MED = 3 mg/kg i.p.).

Preclinical evidence in support of the potential utility of mGlu5 NAMs for the treatment of a variety of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders is extensive, and multiple such molecules have entered clinical trials. Despite some promising results from clinical studies, no small molecule mGlu5 NAM has yet to reach market. Here we present the discovery and evaluation of N-(5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-6-methyl-4-(pyrimidin-5-yloxy)picolinamide (27, VU0424238), a compound selected for clinical evaluation. Compound 27 is more than 900-fold selective for mGlu5 versus the other mGlu receptors, and binding studies established a Ki value of 4.4 nM at a known allosteric binding site. Compound 27 had a clearance of 19.3 and 15.5 mL/min/kg in rats and cynomolgus monkeys, respectively. Imaging studies using a known mGlu5 PET ligand demonstrated 50% receptor occupancy at an oral dose of 0.8 mg/kg in rats and an intravenous dose of 0.06 mg/kg in baboons.

This Letter details our efforts to discover structurally unique M4 PAMs containing 5,6-heteroaryl ring systems. In an attempt to improve the DMPK profiles of the 2,3-dimethyl-2H-indazole-5-carboxamide and 1-methyl-1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole-6-carboxamide cores, we investigated a plethora of core replacements. This exercise identified a novel 2,3-dimethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-6-carboxamide core that provided improved M4 PAM activity and CNS penetration.

This Letter details our efforts to develop new M4 PAM scaffolds with improved pharmacological properties. This endeavor involved replacing the 3,4-dimethylpyridazine core with two novel cores: a 2,3-dimethyl-2H-indazole-5-carboxamide core or a 1-methyl-1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole-6-carboxamide core. Due to shallow SAR, these cores were further evolved into two unique tricyclic cores: an 8,9-dimethyl-8H-pyrazolo[3,4-h]quinazoline core and an 1-methyl-1H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-h]quinazoline core. Both tricyclic cores displayed low nanomolar potency against both human and rat M4.

This letter describes the continued chemical optimization of the VU0453595 series of M1 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). By surveying alternative 5,6- and 6,6-heterobicylic cores for the 6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridine-5-one core of VU453595, we found new cores that engendered not only comparable or improved M1 PAM potency, but significantly improved CNS distribution (Kps 0.3 to 3.1). Moreover, this campaign provided fundamentally distinct M1 PAM chemotypes, greatly expanding the available structural diversity for this valuable CNS target, devoid of hydrogen-bond donors.

This Letter describes the chemical optimization of a novel series of M4 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) based on a 5,6-dimethyl-4-(piperidin-1-yl)thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine core, identified from an MLPCN functional high-throughput screen. The HTS hit was potent and selective, but not CNS penetrant. Potency was maintained, while CNS penetration was improved (rat brain:plasma Kp = 0.74), within the original core after several rounds of optimization; however, the thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine core was subject to extensive oxidative metabolism. Ultimately, we identified a 6-fluoroquinazoline core replacement that afforded good M4 PAM potency, muscarinic receptor subtype selectivity and CNS penetration (rat brain:plasma Kp > 10). Moreover, this campaign provided fundamentally distinct M4 PAM chemotypes, greatly expanding the available structural diversity for this exciting CNS target.

Previous preclinical work has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of antagonists of the group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlus). Still, compounds that are selective for the individual group II mGlus (mGlu2 and mGlu3) have been scarce. There remains a need for such compounds with the balance of properties suitable for convenient use in a wide array of rodent behavioral studies. We describe here the discovery of a selective mGlu3 NAM 106 (VU0650786) suitable for in vivo work. Compound 106 is a member of a series of 5-aryl-6,7-dihydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazine-4(5H)-one compounds originally identified as a mGlu5 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) chemotype. Its suitability for use in rodent behavioral models has been established by extensive in vivo PK studies, and the behavioral experiments presented here with compound 106 represent the first examples in which an mGlu3 NAM has demonstrated efficacy in models where prior efficacy had previously been noted with nonselective group II antagonists.