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Alkylation of 4-methoxy-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (1b) with iodomethane in THF using NaHMDS as base selectively provided N2-methyl product 4-methoxy-2-methyl-2H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (3b) in an 8/1 ratio over N1-methyl product (2b). Interestingly, conducting the reaction in DMSO reversed selectivity to provide a 4/1 ratio of N1/N2 methylated products. Crystal structures of product 3b with N1 and N7 coordinated to sodium indicated a potential role for the latter reinforcing the N2-selectivity. Limits of selectivity were tested with 26 heterocycles which revealed that N7 was a controlling element directing alkylations to favor N2 for pyrazolo- and N3 for imidazo- and triazolo-fused ring heterocycles when conducted in THF. Use of 1H-detected pulsed field gradient-stimulated echo (PFG-STE) NMR defined the molecular weights of ionic reactive complexes. This data and DFT charge distribution calculations suggest close ion pairs (CIPs) or tight ion pairs (TIPs) control alkylation selectivity in THF and sol...

Antagonism of the histamine-H(3) receptor is one tactic being explored to increase wakefulness for the treatment of disorders such as excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) as well as other sleep or cognitive disorders. Phenethyl-R-2-methylpyrrolidine containing biphenylsulfonamide compounds were shown to be potent and selective antagonists of the H(3) receptor. Several of these compounds demonstrated in vivo activity in a rat model of (R)-alpha-methyl histamine (RAMH) induced dipsogenia, and one compound (4e) provided an increase in wakefulness in rats as measured by polysomnographic methods. However, more detailed analysis of the PK/PD relationship suggested the presence of a common active metabolite which may preclude this series of compounds from further development.

A new series of H 3 antagonists derived from the natural product Conessine are presented. Several compounds from these new series retain the potency and selectivity of earlier diamine based analogs while exhibiting improved PK characteristics. One compound ( 3u ) demonstrated functional antagonism of the H 3 receptor in an in vivo pharmacological model.

Among promising new targets for antimalarial chemotherapy are the cysteine protease hemoglobinases falcipain-2 and falcipain-3. We evaluated the activities of synthetic peptidyl aldehyde and α-ketoamide cysteine protease inhibitors against these proteases, against cultured Plasmodium falciparum parasites, and in a murine malaria model. Optimized compounds inhibited falcipain-2 and falcipain-3, blocked hemoglobin hydrolysis, and prevented the development of P. falciparum at nanomolar concentrations. The compounds were equally active against multiple strains of P. falciparum with varied sensitivities to standard antimalarial agents. The peptidyl inhibitors were consistently less active against vinckepain-2, the putative falcipain-2 and falcipain-3 ortholog of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium vinckei . The lead compound morpholinocarbonyl-leucine-homophenylalanine aldehyde, which blocked P. falciparum development at low nanomolar concentrations, was tested in a murine P. vinckei model. When infused continuously at a rate of 30 mg/kg of body weight/day, the compound delayed the progression of malaria but did not eradicate infections. Our data demonstrate the potent antimalarial activities of novel cysteine protease inhibitors. Additionally, they highlight the importance of consideration of the specific enzyme targets of animal model parasites. In the case of falcipains, differences between P. falciparum and rodent parasites complicate the use of the rodent malaria model in the drug discovery process.

Solid- and solution-phase synthesis of peptidomimetic inhibitors of urokinase-type plasminogen activator based on the sequence dSerAlaArg-al are described. The biological activities of these unique inhibitors are reported herein. Carbonate prodrugs were prepared and tested as potential drug delivery systems.

A general method for the synthesis of peptidyl argininals was developed which utilizes the novel building block Ng-nitro-L-argininal ethyl aminal·HCl. The final aldehyde structure is generated by hydrolysis of the peptidic aminal moiety and can be applied to highly functionalized peptidic structures. The method is amenable to the preparation of large quantities of enantiomerically pure peptidyl argininals and was applied to the synthesis of two potent thrombin inhibitors.

A new methodology has been developed for the preparation of unsubstituted enol esters. Its application is demonstrated by the obtainment of vinyl aromatic α-amino esters. A brief investigation of the preparation of other hydrophobic vinyl esters proved successful. Because of the mild reaction conditions employed, it is believed this route should provide access to other enol esters

A new family of Histamine H3 receptor antagonists (5a–t) has been prepared based on the structure of the natural product Conessine, a known H3 antagonist. Several members of the new series are highly potent and selective binders of rat and human H3 receptors and display inverse agonism at the human H3 receptor. Compound 5n exhibited promising rat pharmacokinetic properties and demonstrated functional antagonism of the H3 receptor in an in-vivo pharmacological model.

A new methodology has been developed for the preparation of unsubstituted enol esters. Its application is demonstrated by the obtainment of vinyl aromatic α-amino esters. A brief investigation of the preparation of other hydrophobic vinyl esters proved successful. Because of the mild reaction conditions employed, it is believed this route should provide access to other enol esters