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A series of dual-targeting, alcohol-containing benzothiazoles has been identified with superior antibacterial activity and drug-like properties. Early lead benzothiazoles containing carboxylic acid moieties showed efficacy in a well-established in vivo model, but inferior drug-like properties demanded modifications of functionality capable of demonstrating superior efficacy. Eliminating the acid group in favor of hydrophilic alcohol moieties at C5, as well as incorporating solubilizing groups at the C7 position of the core ring provided potent, broad-spectrum Gram-positive antibacterial activity, lower protein binding, and markedly improved efficacy in vivo.

The design, synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a series of oxazole-benzamide inhibitors of the essential bacterial cell division protein FtsZ are described. Compounds had potent anti-staphylococcal activity and inhibited the cytokinesis of the clinically-significant bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Selected analogues possessing a 5-halo oxazole also inhibited a strain of S. aureus harbouring the glycine-to-alanine amino acid substitution at residue 196 of FtsZ which conferred resistance to previously reported inhibitors in the series. Substitutions to the pseudo-benzylic carbon of the scaffold improved the pharmacokinetic properties by increasing metabolic stability and provided a mechanism for creating pro-drugs. Combining multiple substitutions based on the findings reported in this study has provided small-molecule inhibitors of FtsZ with enhanced in vitro and in vivo antibacterial efficacy.

A library of compounds targeted to the vasopressin/oxytocin family of receptors was screened for activity at a cloned human oxytocin receptor using a reporter gene assay. Potency and selectivity were optimised to afford compound 39, EC50 = 33 nM. This series of compounds represents the first disclosed, non-peptide, low molecular weight agonists of the hormone oxytocin (OT).

Pyridone-based peptidomimetic inhibitors of recombinant human Interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme (ICE, caspase-1) with an aminomethylene ketone activating group in the P1' position are described. Several analogues with sub-nanomolar Ki's versus ICE and improved aqueous solubility are reported.

New potent, reversible inhibitors of recombinant human Interleukin-1β-converting enzyme (ICE, caspase-1) with significantly reduced peptide character are described. The compounds were designed by incorporation of pyridone and pyrimidone heterocyclic replacements for the P2-P3 amino acids of the native substrate and were optimised by manipulation of peripheral alkyl and aryl substituents. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.

The discovery and optimisation of a new class of benzothiazole small molecules that inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV are described. Antibacterial properties have been demonstrated by activity against DNA gyrase ATPase and potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae. Further refinements to the scaffold designed to enhance drug-likeness included analogues bearing an α-substituent to the carboxylic acid group, resulting in excellent solubility and favourable pharmacokinetic properties.

Vasopressin (AVP) is a hormone that stimulates an increase in water permeability through activation of V2 receptors in the kidney. The analogue of AVP, desmopressin, has proven an effective drug for diseases where a reduction of urine output is desired. However, its peptidic nature limits its bioavailability. We report herein the discovery of potent, nonpeptidic, benzylurea derived agonists of the vasopressin V2 receptor. We describe substitutions on the benzyl group to give improvements in potency and subsequent modifications to the urea end group to provide improvements in solubility and increased oral efficacy in a rat model of diuresis. The lead compound 20e (VA106483) is reported for the first time and has been selected for clinical development.

Oxytocin is a neurohypophyseal hormone that acts at the oxytocin receptor localized both peripherally and centrally and is particularly highly expressed in the pregnant human myometrium. Synthetic oxytocin has long been used to induce labor and oxytocin antagonists have been introduced for the treatment of preterm labor. New compounds are described that are potent, selective and efficacious oxytocin receptor agonists with potential utility in promoting labor and for the treatment of conditions such as male and female sexual dysfunction. These new agents may also be useful as tools for further elucidating the roles of the oxytocin receptor system. Furthermore, as they are nonpeptidic in nature, they may offer advantages over peptide oxytocin analogues in terms of oral availability and central penetration. This article describes the various approaches that have been used to discover such compounds. Compounds such as 27, the first nonpeptide oxytocin agonists reported, are currently being investigated as pharmacological tools in animal models of oxytocin activity.

Based on a tetrapeptide fragment [Pro387-Ser390] of HK we have developed a series of potent low molecular weight (5-600 Da) inhibitors of PK which are stable to the enzyme. These inhibitors show good selectivity for PK versus tissue kallikrein, thrombin and plasmin. Such inhibitors will help define the role of PK and kinins in human physiology and pathophysiology. They may also find clinical use in the treatment of diseases where kinins are important mediators.