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P2X7 receptor antagonists have potential for treating various central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including neuropathic pain, although none have been approved for clinical use. Reasons may include insufficient understanding of P2X7 receptor signalling in pain, and the lack of a corresponding preclinical mechanistic biomarker.Lu AF27139 is a highly selective and potent small molecule antagonist at rat, mouse and human forms of the P2X7 receptor, with excellent pharmacokinetic and CNS permeability properties. In the current experiments, we probed the utility of previously characterized and novel signalling cascades exposed to Lu AF27139 using cultured microglia combined with release assays. Subsequently, we assessed the biomarker potential of identified candidate molecules in the rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain; study design limitations precluded their assessment in spared nerve injury (SNI) rats.Lu AF27139 blocked several pain-relevant pathways downstream of P2X7 receptors in vitro. At brain and spinal cord receptor occupancy levels capable of functionally blocking P2X7 receptors, it diminished neuropathic hypersensitivity in SNI rats, and less potently in CCI rats. Although tissue levels of numerous molecules previously linked to neuropathic pain and P2X7 receptor function (e.g. IL-6, IL-1β, cathepsin-S, 2-AG) were unaffected by CCI, Lu AF27139-mediated regulation of spinal PGE2 and miRNA (e.g. rno-miR-93-5p) levels increased by CCI aligned with its ability to diminish neuropathic hypersensitivity.We have identified a pain-relevant P2X7 receptor-regulated mechanism in neuropathic rats, which could hold promise as a translatable biomarker and by association enhance the clinical progression of P2X7 receptor antagonists in neuropathic pain.Sub-optimal translation of preclinical molecules has hindered the clinical development of novel mechanism of action analgesics. We have undertaken a comprehensive in vitro analysis of migroglial signalling mechanisms recruited upon P2X7 receptor activation, a number of which were shown to be modulated by a selective P2X7 receptor antagonist in a well characterized animal model of neuropathic pain. Subject to further confirmation in other neuropathic models, this opens up the possibility to investigate their clinical utility as potential pain biomarkers in patients.

There remains an insufficient number of P2X7 receptor antagonists with adequate rodent potency, CNS permeability, and pharmacokinetic properties from which to evaluate CNS disease hypotheses preclinically. Herein, we describe the molecular pharmacology, safety, pharmacokinetics, and functional CNS target engagement of Lu AF27139, a novel rodent-active and CNS-penetrant P2X7 receptor antagonist. Lu AF27139 is highly selective and potent against rat, mouse, and human forms of the receptors. The rat pharmacokinetic profile is favorable with high oral bioavailability, modest clearance (0.79 L/(h kg)), and good CNS permeability. In vivo mouse CNS microdialysis studies of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed and 2'(3')-O-(benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine-5'-triphosphate (BzATP)-induced IL-1β release demonstrate functional CNS target engagement. Importantly, Lu AF27139 was without effect in standard in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies. Based on these properties, we believe Lu AF27139 will be a valuable tool for probing the role of the P2X7 receptor in rodent models of CNS diseases.

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating, chronic condition with a significant unmet need for effective treatment options. Recent studies have demonstrated that in addition to neurons, non-neuronal cells such as microglia contribute to the initiation and maintenance of allodynia in rodent models of neuropathic pain. The Ca2+- activated K+ channel, KCa3.1 is critical for the activation of immune cells, including the CNS-resident microglia. In order to evaluate the role of KCa3.1 in the maintenance of mechanical allodynia following peripheral nerve injury, we used senicapoc, a stable and highly potent KCa3.1 inhibitor. In primary cultured microglia, senicapoc inhibited microglial nitric oxide and IL-1β release. In vivo, senicapoc showed high CNS penetrance and when administered to rats with peripheral nerve injury, it significantly reversed tactile allodynia similar to the standard of care, gabapentin. In contrast to gabapentin, senicapoc achieved efficacy without any overt impact on locomotor activity. Together, the data demonstrate that the KCa3.1 inhibitor senicapoc is effective at reducing mechanical hypersensitivity in a rodent model of peripheral nerve injury.

The NPY5 receptor binding and pharmacokinetic properties of a novel series of cis-1-oxo-heterocyclyl-4-amido-cyclohexane derivatives are described.

LSP1-2111 is a group III metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist with preference toward the mGlu4 receptor subtype. This compound has been extensively used as a tool to explore the pharmacology of mGlu4 receptor activation in preclinical animal behavioral models. However, the blood-brain barrier penetration of this amino acid derivative has never been studied. We report studies on the central nervous system (CNS) disposition of LSP1-2111 using quantitative microdialysis in rat. Significant unbound concentrations of the drug relative to its in vitro binding affinity and functional potency were established in extracellular fluid (ECF). These findings support the use of LSP1-2111 to study the CNS pharmacology of mGlu4 receptor activation through orthosteric agonist mechanisms.

A novel series of trans-1,3-cyclohexyl diamides was discovered and characterized as mGluR5 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) lacking an alkyne moiety. Conformational constraint of one of the amide bonds in the diamide template led to a spirooxazoline template. A representative compound (24d) showed good in vitro potency, high CNS penetration and, upon subcutaneous dosing, demonstrated efficacy in the mouse marble burying test, generally used as indicative of potential anxiolytic activity.

Inclusion of a microdose of 14C-labeled drug in the first-in-man study of new investigational drugs and subsequent analysis by accelerator mass spectrometry has become an integrated part of drug development at Lundbeck. It has been found to be highly informative with regard to investigations of the routes and rates of excretion of the drug and the human metabolite profiles according to metabolites in safety testing guidance and also when additional metabolism-related issues needed to be addressed. In the first-in-man study with the NCE Lu AF09535, contrary to anticipated, surprisingly low exposure was observed when measuring the parent compound using conventional bioanalysis. Parallel accelerator mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the low exposure was almost exclusively attributable to extensive metabolism. The metabolism observed in humans was mediated via a human specific metabolic pathway, whereas an equivalent extent of metabolism was not observed in preclinical species. In vitro, incubation studies in human liver cytosol revealed involvement of aldehyde oxidase (AO) in the biotransformation of Lu AF09535. In vivo, substantially lower plasma exposure of Lu AF09535 was observed in chimeric mice with humanized livers compared with control animals. In addition, Lu AF09535 exhibited very low oral bioavailability in monkeys despite relatively low clearance after intravenous administration in contrast to the pharmacokinetics in rats and dogs, both showing low clearance and high bioavailability. The in vitro and in vivo methods applied were proved useful for identifying and evaluating AO-dependent metabolism. Different strategies to integrate these methods for prediction of in vivo human clearance of AO substrates were evaluated.

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating, chronic condition with a significant unmet need for effective treatment options. Recent studies have demonstrated that in addition to neurons, non-neuronal cells such as microglia contribute to the initiation and maintenance of allodynia in rodent models of neuropathic pain. The Ca

Neuropeptide Y receptor type 5 (NPY5R) is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that belongs to the subfamily of neuropeptide receptors (NPYR) that mediate the action of endogenous neuropeptide Y (NPY). Animal models and preclinical studies indicate a role for NPY5R in the pathophysiology of depression, anxiety, and obesity and as a target of potential therapeutic drugs. To better understand the pathophysiological involvement of NPY5R, and to measure target occupancy by potential therapeutic drugs, it would be advantageous to measure NPY5R binding in vivo by positron emission tomography (PET). Four potent and selective NPY5R antagonists were radiolabeled via nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions with [(18)F]fluoride. Of the four radioligands investigated, PET studies in anesthetized baboons showed that [(18)F]LuAE00654 ([(18)F]N-[trans-4-({[4-(2-fluoropyridin-3-yl)thiazol-2-yl]amino}methyl)cyclohexyl]propane-2-sulfonamide) penetrates blood brain barrier (BBB) and a small amount is retained in the brain. Slow metabolism of [(18)F]LuAE00654 was observed in baboon plasma. Blocking studies with a specific NPY5R antagonist demonstrated up to 60% displacement of radioactivity in striatum, the brain region with highest NPY5R binding. Our studies suggest that [(18)F]LuAE00654 can be a potential PET radiotracer for the quantification and occupancy studies of NPY5R drug candidates.

A novel series of aryl azetidinyl oxadiazoles are identified as mGluR5 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) with improved physico-chemical properties. N-substituted cyclohexyl and exo-norbornyl carboxamides, and carbamate analogs of azetidines are moderate to potent mGluR5 PAMs. The aryl, lower alkyl carboxamides analogs and sulfonamide analogs of azetidines are moderate mGluR5 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs). In the aryl oxadiazole moiety, substituents such as fluoro, chloro and methyl are well tolerated at the meta position while para substituents led to either inactive compounds or NAMs. A tight pharmacophore and subtle 'PAM to NAM switching' with close analogs makes the optimization of the series extremely challenging.

A novel series of N-aryl pyrrolidinonyl oxadiazoles were identified as mGluR5 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). Optimization of the initial lead compound 6a led to the identification of the 12c (-) enantiomer as a potent compound with acceptable in vitro clearance, CYP, hERG and PK properties. Para substituted N-aryl pyrrolidinonyl oxadiazoles are mGluR5 PAMs while the meta and ortho substituted N-aryl pyrrolidinonyl oxadiazoles are negative allosteric modulators (NAMs). Para fluoro substitution on the N-aryl group and meta chloro or methyl substituents on the aryl oxadiazole moiety are optimal for mGluR5 PAM efficacy. The existence of an exquisitely sensitive 'PAM to NAM switch' within this chemotype making it challenging for simultaneous optimization of potency and drug-like properties.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) regulates physiological processes via receptor subtypes (Y1, Y2, Y4, Y5, and y6). The Y5 receptor is well known for its role in appetite. Based on expression in the limbic system, we hypothesized that the Y5 receptor might also modulate stress sensitivity. We identified a novel Y5 receptor-selective antagonist, Lu AA33810 [ N -[[ trans -4-[(4,5-dihydro[1]-benzothiepino[5,4- d ]thiazol-2-yl)amino]cyclohexyl]methyl]-methanesulfonamide], that bound to cloned rat Y5 receptors ( K i = 1.5 nM) and antagonized NPY-evoked cAMP and calcium mobilization in vitro. Lu AA33810 (3-30 mg/kg p.o.) blocked feeding elicited by intracerebroventricular injection of the Y5 receptor-selective agonist [cPP1-7,NPY19-23,Ala31,Aib32,Gln34]-hPancreatic Polypeptide in Sprague-Dawley rats. In vivo effects of Lu AA33810 were correlated with brain exposure ≥ 50 ng/g and ex vivo Y5 receptor occupancy of 22 to 95%. Lu AA33810 was subsequently evaluated in models of stress sensitivity. In Fischer 344 rats, Lu AA33810 (30 mg/kg p.o.) attenuated increases in plasma ACTH and corticosterone elicited by intracerebroventricular injection of [cPP1-7,NPY19-23,Ala31,Aib32,Gln34]-hPancreatic Polypeptide. In Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to the social interaction test, Lu AA33810 (3-30 mg/kg p.o.) produced anxiolytic-like effects after acute or chronic treatment. In Flinders sensitive line rats, chronic dosing of Lu AA33810 (10 mg/kg/day i.p.) produced anxiolytic-like effects in the social interaction test, plus antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test. In Wistar rats exposed to chronic mild stress, chronic dosing of Lu AA33810 (3 and 10 mg/kg/day i.p.) produced antidepressant-like activity, i.e., normalization of stress-induced decrease in sucrose consumption. We propose that Y5 receptors may function as part of an endogenous stress-sensing system to mediate social anxiety and reward or motivational deficits in selected rodent models.

A novel series of [2.2.1]-oxabicyclo imide-based compounds were identified as potent antagonists of the androgen receptor. Molecular modeling and iterative drug design were applied to optimize this series. The lead compound [3aS-(3aalpha,4beta,5beta,7beta,7aalpha)]-4-(octahydro-5-hydroxy-4,7-dimethyl-1,3-dioxo-4,7-epoxy-2H-isoindol-2-yl)-2-iodobenzonitrile was shown to have potent in vivo efficacy after oral dosing in the CWR22 human prostate tumor xenograph model.

A novel series of potent dual agonists of PPARα and PPARγ, the alkoxybenzylglycines, was identified and explored using a solution-phase library approach. The synthesis and structure–activity relationships of this series of dual PPARα/γ agonists are described.

Inhibition of the sodium hydrogen exchanger isoform-1 (NHE-1) has been shown to limit damage to the myocardium under ischemic conditions in animals. While most known NHE-1 inhibitors are acylguanidines, this report describes the design and synthesis of a series of heterocyclic inhibitors of NHE-1 including aminoimidazoles with undiminished in vitro activity and oral bioavailability.

Aim: Lipids such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes are released as a result of an inflammatory episode in pain (central and peripheral). Methodology & results: To measure these lipids as potential mechanistic biomarkers in neuropathic pain models, we developed a higher-throughput LC–MS/MS-based method with simultaneous detection of PGE2, PGD2, PGF2α, LTB4, TXB2 and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol in brain and spinal cord tissues. We also demonstrate that the LC–MS/MS method was more sensitive and specific in differentiating PGE2 levels in CNS tissues compared with ELISA. Conclusion: The ability to modify the LC–MS/MS method to accommodate numerous other lipids in one analysis, demonstrates that the presented method offers a cost–effective and more sensitive alternative to ELISA method useful in drug discovery settings., Lay abstract: In humans, lipids carry out various functions such as energy production and storage, insulation, digestion and absorption and hormone production. Out of the several lipids, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes play a critical role in cardiovascular diseases, allergic reactions and inflammation. Thus, it is important to monitor their levels as potential mechanistic biomarkers to effectively diagnose and treat the underlying diseases. We have successfully used a highly specific and higher-throughput mass spectrometric method to quantify these lipids in brain cells as well as in brain and spinal cord tissues from rats (pain model) and compared the data obtained in the traditional ELISA.

We have shown previously that the human jejunal brush border membrane expresses both the N1 ( cif ) and the N2 ( cit ) Na + -dependent (concentrative) nucleoside transporters but not the Na + -independent (facilitative) nitrobenzylmercaptopurineriboside (NBMPR)-sensitive ( es ) transporter (Patil SD and Unadkat JD, Am J Physiol , 272 : 1314–1320, 1997). In the present study, we have demonstrated that when Xenopus laevis oocytes are microinjected with human jejunal mRNA, four nucleoside transporters are expressed simultaneously, namely the N1 and N2 Na + -dependent nucleoside transporters and the es and the NBMPR-insensitive ( ei ) Na + -independent transporters. The expressed Na + -dependent nucleoside transporters showed substrate specificity identical to that previously described by us using jejunal brush border membrane vesicles (Patil SD and Unadkat JD, Am J Physiol , 272 : 1314–1320, 1997). The expressed es and ei Na + -independent transporters demonstrated broad substrate selectivity with both purines and pyrimidines capable of inhibiting the uptake of guanosine and thymidine mediated by this transporter. The expressed Na + -dependent nucleoside transporters mediated the transport of their respective nucleoside substrates with a high affinity and a low capacity, whereas the es and the ei transporters mediated the transport of nucleosides with a low affinity and a high capacity. Collectively, these observations suggest that the Na + -independent nucleoside transporters are expressed in the basolateral membrane of the human jejunal epithelium. Based on these data, we hypothesize that the concentrative transporters in the brush border membrane and equilibrative transporters in the basolateral membrane are arranged in series in the human jejunal epithelium to allow efficient vectorial transport of nucleosides from the lumen to the blood. The simultaneous expression of four nucleoside transporters in X. laevis oocytes establishes a basis for molecular cloning of these four human nucleoside transporters.

A new series of potent fused thiazole mGlu5 receptor positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) (10, 11 and 27-31) are disclosed and details of the SAR and optimization are described. Optimization of alkynyl thiazole 9 (Lu AF11205) led to the identification of potent fused thiazole analogs 10b, 27a, 28j and 31d. In general, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl carboxamides, and carbamate analogs are mGlu5PAMs, whereas smaller alkyl carboxamide, sulfonamide and sulfamide analogs tend to be mGlu5 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs).

Muraglitazar/BMS-298585 (2) has been identified as a non-thiazolidinedione PPAR alpha/gamma dual agonist that shows potent activity in vitro at human PPARalpha (EC(50) = 320 nM) and PPARgamma(EC(50) = 110 nM). Compound 2 shows excellent efficacy for lowering glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and free fatty acids in genetically obese, severely diabetic db/db mice and has a favorable ADME profile. Compound 2 is currently in clinical development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia.

Sucrase-isomaltase (SI) has been widely used as a marker enzyme to study cellular differentiation in the small intestine. We isolated a 6.1-kb SI cDNA clone (GC1.4) from a size-fractionated cDNA library from rat intestine. Sequencing of this cDNA clone showed 6066 nucleotides (nt) with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1841 amino acids (aa). The nt sequence correctly predicts several known aa stretches in the protein. The deduced aa sequence showed 78 and 75% overall identity with the rabbit and human SI, respectively. At the active sites of both S and I, the rat nt sequence encodes stretches of 14 and 16 aa, respectively, which show 100% identity to rabbit and human SI. In the region immediately beyond the transmembrane domain, the rat sequence encodes an extra 10 aa, as compared to rabbit and human. This 10-aa insertion consists almost entirely of Pro, Ser and Thr, and may be responsible for additional 0-glycosylations of rat SI. The cDNA contains a 3'-UTR (untranslated region) of 499 nt with polyadenylation signal sequence and a poly(A) tract. The ATG start codon was found 41 nt downstream from the 5' end of the cDNA. Primer extension experiments showed the cap site to be 61 nt upstream from the start codon. The results indicate that our cDNA clone lacks only 20 nt in the 5'-UTR. Given that this cDNA encodes the entire coding region of SI, it should be useful in elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of SI biosynthesis, localization and targeting during rat intestinal development and differentiation.

A novel series of indolyl and dihydroindolyl glycinamides were identified as potent NPY5 antagonists with in vivo activity from screen hit 1. The dihydroindolyl glycinamide 10a significantly inhibits NPY5 agonist induced feeding at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg. The indolyl glycinamide 12c also inhibits NPY5 agonist induced feeding at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Both compounds 10a and 12c represent potential tools for further investigation into the biology of the NPY5 receptor.

Synthesis, SAR and physico-chemical properties of an alkyl aminothiazole series 8 and 16 are described. 2-Pyridylaminothiazole based compounds such as 8c and 16a exhibit high affinity at the NPY(5) receptor with desirable cLogPs and solubilities. However, they also suffer from high in vitro and in vivo clearance. Compound 16a partially inhibits the feeding behavior elicited by i.c.v. injection of the selective NPY(5) agonist [cPP(1-7), NPY(19-23), Ala(31), Aib(32), Gln(34)]-human pancreatic polypeptide polypeptide (cPP).

Subtype specific ligands are needed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of modulating the brain's neuropeptide Y system. The benzothiazepine glycinamide 1a was identified as an NPY5 antagonist lead. While having acceptable solubility, the compound was found to suffer from high clearance and poor exposure. Optimization efforts are described targeting improvements in potency, microsomal stability, and PK properties. The low microsomal stability and poor PK properties were addressed through the optimization of the sulfonyl urea and replacement of the benzothiazepinone with other N-heteroaryl glycinamides. For example, the analogous benzoxazine glycinamide 2e has improvements in both affinity (human Y5 K(i) 4 nM vs 1a 27 nM) and microsomal stability (human CL(int) 2.5 L/min vs 1a 35L/min). However the brain penetration (B/P 43/430 nM at 10 mg/kg PO) remained an unresolved issue. Further optimization by decreasing the hydrogen bond donating properties and PSA provided potent and brain penetrant NPY5 antagonists such as 5f (human Y5 K(i) 9 nM, B/P 520/840 nM 10 mg/kg PO).

A series of potent indolyl azetidine rMCHR1 antagonists were found to show poor CNS penetration due to Pgp efflux. We envisioned a strategy which included: lowering basicity; changing the conformational flexibility motif; and removal of a hydrogen bond donor, in an attempt to optimize this property while maintaining target receptor efficacy. This work resulted in mitigation of Pgp efflux, and led us to identify 1-dihydroindolyl azetidine derivatives with CNS penetration and excellent rMCHR1 binding affinity.

The structure–activity relationship of a series of tricyclic-sulfonamide compounds 11 – 32 culminating in the discovery of N -[ trans -4-(4,5-dihydro-3,6-dithia-1-aza-benzo[e]azulen-2-ylamino)-cyclohexylmethyl]-methanesulfonamide ( 15 , Lu AA33810 ) is reported. Compound 15 was identified as a selective and high affinity NPY5 antagonist with good oral bioavailability in mice (42%) and rats (92%). Dose dependent inhibition of feeding was observed after i.c.v. injection of the selective NPY5 agonist ([cPP 1–7 ,NPY 19–23 ,Ala 31 ,Aib 32 ,Gln 34 ]-hPP). In addition, ip administration of Lu AA33810 (10 mg/kg) produced antidepressant-like effects in a rat model of chronic mild stress.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) regulates physiological processes via receptor subtypes (Y(1), Y(2), Y(4), Y(5), and y(6)). The Y(5) receptor is well known for its role in appetite. Based on expression in the limbic system, we hypothesized that the Y(5) receptor might also modulate stress sensitivity. We identified a novel Y(5) receptor-selective antagonist, Lu AA33810 [N-[[trans-4-[(4,5-dihydro[1]-benzothiepino[5,4-d]thiazol-2-yl)amino]cyclohexyl]methyl]-methanesulfonamide], that bound to cloned rat Y(5) receptors (K(i) = 1.5 nM) and antagonized NPY-evoked cAMP and calcium mobilization in vitro. Lu AA33810 (3-30 mg/kg p.o.) blocked feeding elicited by intracerebroventricular injection of the Y(5) receptor-selective agonist [cPP(1-7),NPY(19-23),Ala(31),Aib(32),Gln(34)]-hPancreatic Polypeptide in Sprague-Dawley rats. In vivo effects of Lu AA33810 were correlated with brain exposureor = 50 ng/g and ex vivo Y(5) receptor occupancy of 22 to 95%. Lu AA33810 was subsequently evaluated in models of stress sensitivity. In Fischer 344 rats, Lu AA33810 (30 mg/kg p.o.) attenuated increases in plasma ACTH and corticosterone elicited by intracerebroventricular injection of [cPP(1-7),NPY(19-23),Ala(31),Aib(32),Gln(34)]-hPancreatic Polypeptide. In Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to the social interaction test, Lu AA33810 (3-30 mg/kg p.o.) produced anxiolytic-like effects after acute or chronic treatment. In Flinders sensitive line rats, chronic dosing of Lu AA33810 (10 mg/kg/day i.p.) produced anxiolytic-like effects in the social interaction test, plus antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test. In Wistar rats exposed to chronic mild stress, chronic dosing of Lu AA33810 (3 and 10 mg/kg/day i.p.) produced antidepressant-like activity, i.e., normalization of stress-induced decrease in sucrose consumption. We propose that Y(5) receptors may function as part of an endogenous stress-sensing system to mediate social anxiety and reward or motivational deficits in selected rodent models.

Muraglitazar (Pargluva), a dual alpha/gamma peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) activator, has both glucose- and lipid-lowering effects in animal models and in patients with diabetes. This study describes the in vivo and in vitro comparative metabolism of [(14)C]muraglitazar in rats, dogs, monkeys, and humans by quantitative and qualitative metabolite profiling. Metabolite identification and quantification methods used in these studies included liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), LC/tandem MS, LC/radiodetection, LC/UV, and a newly described mass defect filtering technique in conjunction with high resolution MS. After oral administration of [(14)C]muraglitazar, absorption was rapid in all species, reaching a concentration peak for parent and total radioactivity in plasma within 1 h. The most abundant component in plasma at all times in all species was the parent drug, and no metabolite was present in greater than 2.5% of the muraglitazar concentrations at 1 h postdose in rats, dogs, and humans. All metabolites observed in human plasma were also present in rats, dogs, or monkeys. Urinary excretion of radioactivity was low (

Muraglitazar (Pargluva), a dual alpha/gamma peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activator, has both glucose- and lipid-lowering effects in animal models and in patients with diabetes. The human major primary metabolic pathways of muraglitazar include acylglucuronidation, aliphatic/aryl hydroxylation, and O-demethylation. This study describes the identification of human cytochrome P450 (P450) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes involved in the in vitro metabolism of muraglitazar. [(14)C]Muraglitazar was metabolized by cDNA-expressed CYP2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4, but to a very minimal extent by CYP1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C18, 2E1, and 3A5. Inhibition of the in vitro metabolism of muraglitazar in human liver microsomes, at a clinically efficacious concentration, by chemical inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies further supported involvement of CYP2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4 in its oxidation. A combination of intrinsic clearance (V(max)/K(m)) and relative concentrations of each P450 enzyme in the human liver was used to predict the contribution of CYP2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4 to the formation of each primary oxidative metabolite and to the overall oxidative metabolism of muraglitazar. Glucuronidation of [(14)C]muraglitazar was catalyzed by cDNA-expressed UGT1A1, 1A3, and 1A9, but not by UGT1A6, 1A8, 1A10, 2B4, 2B7, and 2B15. The K(m) values for muraglitazar glucuronidation by the three active UGT enzymes were similar (2-4 muM). In summary, muraglitazar was metabolized by multiple P450 and UGT enzymes to form multiple metabolites. This characteristic predicts a low potential for the alteration of the pharmacokinetic parameters of muraglitazar via polymorphic drug metabolism enzymes responsible for clearance of the compound or by coadministration of drugs that inhibit or induce relevant metabolic enzymes.

A novel series of potent dual agonists of PPARalpha and PPARgamma, the alkoxybenzylglycines, was identified and explored using a solution-phase library approach. The synthesis and structure-activity relationships of this series of dual PPARalpha/gamma agonists are described.

A series of potent inhibitors of the sodium hydrogen exchanger-1 (NHE-1) is described. Structure–activity relationships identified the 3-methyl-4-fluoro analog 9t as a highly potent (IC50 = 0.0065 μM) and selective (NHE-2/NHE-1 = 1400) non-acylguanidine NHE-1 inhibitor. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that compound 9t has an oral bioavailability of 52% and a plasma half life of 1.5 h in rats. Because of its promising potency, selectivity, and a good pharmacokinetic profile, compound 9t was selected for further studies.

A comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSiA) has been performed for cytochrome P450 2D6 inhibition on a series of aryloxypropanolamines to determine the factors contributing to this activity. The model is in agreement with a CYP2D6 homology model constructed on the basis of the mammalian CYP2C5 crystal structure. The energy minimized conformations were generated using the systematic search methodology in Sybyl 6.7. The model not only elucidated the relationship between structure and biological activity but, more importantly, provided useful strategies to modulate CYP2D6 affinity in the aryloxypropanolamine series.

A series of 3-imino-2-indolones are the first published, high-affinity antagonists of the galanin GAL3 receptor. One example, 1,3-dihydro-1-phenyl-3-[[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]imino]-2H-indol-2-one (9), was shown to have high affinity for the human GAL3 receptor (Ki=17 nM) and to be highly selective for GAL3 over a broad panel of targets, including GAL1 and GAL2. Compound 9 was also shown to be an antagonist in a human GAL3 receptor functional assay (Kb=29 nM).

The ultraviolet sensitivity of Potorous tridactylus male kidney (PtK-2) cells is markedly increased by post irradiation treatment for 24 h with 5 microM emetine (which inhibits protein synthesis by acting on the 40S ribosomal subunit), or with 5 microM cycloheximide (which inhibits by interaction with the 60S subunit), or with the RNA polymerase II inhibitor 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole at 50 microM. All 3 treatments give the same sensitivity, while unirradiated cells are little affected. Shortening the time of treatment, or delaying application of the drugs decreases their effect on the same time schedule. Preiirradiation of cells, with no drug treatment in the following 8 h, diminishes the sensitivity to a subsequent irradiation with protein synthesis blocked afterwards. Photoreactivation immediately following such preirradiation eliminates its desensitizing effect. Inhibiting protein synthesis after irradiation also markedly reduces the frequency of UV-induced mutants in the surviving population. These facts suggest that gene expression in the period following irradiation facilitates recovery from radiation damage, with an increased probability of mutation, reminiscent of the "SOS response" in Escherichia coli.