1
|
Schaedeli Stark F, Chavanne C, Derks M, Jolling K, Lagraauw HM, Lindbom L, Prins K, Silber Baumann HE. A population pharmacokinetics model of balovaptan to support dose selection in adult and pediatric populations. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2024; 51:227-242. [PMID: 38308741 DOI: 10.1007/s10928-023-09898-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Balovaptan is a brain-penetrating vasopressin receptor 1a antagonist previously investigated for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of balovaptan was developed, initially to assist clinical dosing for adult and pediatric ASD studies and subsequently for new clinical indications including malignant cerebral edema (MCE) and post-traumatic stress disorder. The final model incorporates one-compartment disposition and describes time- and dose-dependent non-linear PK through empirical drug binding and a gut extraction component with turnover. An age effect on clearance observed in children was modeled by an asymptotic function that predicts adult-equivalent exposures at 40% of the adult dose for children aged 2-4 years, 70% for 5-9 years, and at the full adult dose for ≥ 10 years. The model was adapted for intravenous (IV) balovaptan dosing and combined with in vitro and ex vivo pharmacodynamic data to simulate brain receptor occupancy as a guide for dosing in a phase II trial of MCE prophylaxis after acute ischemic stroke. A sequence of three stepped-dose daily infusions of 50, 25 and 15 mg over 30 or 60 min was predicted to achieve a target occupancy of ≥ 80% in ≥ 95% of patients over a 3-day period. This model predicts both oral and IV balovaptan exposure across a wide age range and will be a valuable tool to analyze and predict its PK in new indications and target populations, including pediatric patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Schaedeli Stark
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Clarisse Chavanne
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Derks
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Welwyn, Roche Products Ltd, Hexagon Place, 6 Falcon Way, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1TW, UK
| | - Koen Jolling
- qPharmetra LLC, Kwakkenbergweg 39, 6523MK, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lars Lindbom
- qPharmetra LLC, Kwakkenbergweg 39, 6523MK, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Prins
- qPharmetra LLC, Kwakkenbergweg 39, 6523MK, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna E Silber Baumann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li X, Yuan X, Wu Y, Guo H, Liu Q, Huang S. Synthesis of 3,4,5-Trisubstituted 1,2,4-Triazoles via I 2-Catalyzed Cycloaddition of Amidines with Hydrazones. J Org Chem 2024; 89:5277-5286. [PMID: 38587487 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
A general and practical method for the construction of various 3,4,5-trisubstituted 1,2,4-triazoles via I2-catalyzed cycloaddition of N-functionalized amidines with hydrazones is reported. This strategy features cheap and readily available catalyst and starting materials, broader substrate scope, and moderate-to-good yields. The mechanism study shows that the existence of hydrogen on the nitrogen of hydrazones is crucial for this transformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Li
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 79 West Yingze Street, Taiyuan 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyufei Yuan
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 79 West Yingze Street, Taiyuan 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Wu
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 79 West Yingze Street, Taiyuan 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Honghong Guo
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 79 West Yingze Street, Taiyuan 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Liu
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 79 West Yingze Street, Taiyuan 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangping Huang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 79 West Yingze Street, Taiyuan 030024, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Perisic M, Woolcock K, Hering A, Mendel H, Muttenthaler M. Oxytocin and vasopressin signaling in health and disease. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:361-377. [PMID: 38418338 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurohypophysial peptides are ancient and evolutionarily highly conserved neuropeptides that regulate many crucial physiological functions in vertebrates and invertebrates. The human neurohypophysial oxytocin/vasopressin (OT/VP) signaling system with its four receptors has become an attractive drug target for a variety of diseases, including cancer, pain, cardiovascular indications, and neurological disorders. Despite its promise, drug development faces hurdles, including signaling complexity, selectivity and off-target concerns, translational interspecies differences, and inefficient drug delivery. In this review we dive into the complexity of the OT/VP signaling system in health and disease, provide an overview of relevant pharmacological probes, and discuss the latest trends in therapeutic lead discovery and drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Perisic
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrina Woolcock
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anke Hering
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Helen Mendel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Baska F, Bozó É, Szeleczky Z, Szántó G, Vukics K, Szakács Z, Domány-Kovács K, Kurkó D, Vass E, Thán M, Vastag M, Temesvári K, Lévai S, Halász AS, Szondiné Kordás K, Román V, Greiner I, Bata I. Discovery and Characterization of RGH-122, a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable V1a Receptor Antagonist. J Med Chem 2024; 67:643-673. [PMID: 38165765 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The V1a receptor is a major contributor in mediating the social and emotional effects of arginine-vasopressin (AVP); therefore it represents a promising target in the treatment of several neuropsychiatric conditions. The aim of this research was to design and synthesize novel and selective V1a antagonists with improved in vitro and in vivo profiles. Through optimization and detailed SAR studies, we developed low nanomolar antagonists, and further characterizations led to the discovery of the clinical candidate compound 43 (RGH-122). The CNS activity of the compound was determined in a 3-chamber social preference test of autism in which RGH-122 successfully enhanced social preference with the lowest effective dose of 1.5 mg/kg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Baska
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Éva Bozó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | - Gábor Szántó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Dalma Kurkó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Elemér Vass
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Márta Thán
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Mónika Vastag
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | - Sándor Lévai
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | | | - Viktor Román
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | - Imre Bata
- Gedeon Richter Plc, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Acharya A, Yadav M, Nagpure M, Kumaresan S, Guchhait SK. Molecular medicinal insights into scaffold hopping-based drug discovery success. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103845. [PMID: 38013043 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
In both academia and the pharmaceutical industry, innovative hypotheses, methodologies and technologies that can shorten the drug research and development, leading to higher success rates, are vital. In this review, we demonstrate how innovative variations of the scaffold-hopping strategy have been used to create new druggable molecular spaces, drugs, clinical candidates, preclinical candidates, and bioactive agents. We also analyze molecular modulations that enabled improvements of the pharmacodynamic (PD), physiochemical, and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties (P3 properties) of the drugs resulting from these scaffold-hopping strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayan Acharya
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Mukul Yadav
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Mithilesh Nagpure
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Sanathanalaxmi Kumaresan
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India; National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Sankar K Guchhait
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de Miranda AS, Macedo DS, Rocha NP, Teixeira AL. Targeting the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) for Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:107-122. [PMID: 36173067 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220927093815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropsychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias, are associated to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders remain to be fully elucidated, which has hampered the development of effective therapies. The Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) is classically viewed as a key regulator of cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. The discovery that RAS components are expressed in the brain pointed out a potential role for this system in central nervous system (CNS) pathologies. The understanding of RAS involvement in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders may contribute to identifying novel therapeutic targets. AIMS We aim to report current experimental and clinical evidence on the role of RAS in physiology and pathophysiology of mood disorders, schizophrenia, AD and related dementias. We also aim to discuss bottlenecks and future perspectives that can foster the development of new related therapeutic strategies. CONCLUSION The available evidence supports positive therapeutic effects for neuropsychiatric disorders with the inhibition/antagonism of the ACE/Ang II/AT1 receptor axis or the activation of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis. Most of this evidence comes from pre-clinical studies and clinical studies lag much behind, hampering a potential translation into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Silva de Miranda
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIIM), Faculty of Medicine, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Danielle S Macedo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research, and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Natalia P Rocha
- Department of Neurology, The Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Brain Disorders, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
| | - Antonio L Teixeira
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Neuropsychiatry Program, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
- Faculdade Santa Casa BH, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Janz P, Knoflach F, Bleicher K, Belli S, Biemans B, Schnider P, Ebeling M, Grundschober C, Benekareddy M. Selective oxytocin receptor activation prevents prefrontal circuit dysfunction and social behavioral alterations in response to chronic prefrontal cortex activation in male rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1286552. [PMID: 38145283 PMCID: PMC10745491 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1286552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Social behavioral changes are a hallmark of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions, nevertheless the underlying neural substrates of such dysfunction remain poorly understood. Building evidence points to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) as one of the key brain regions that orchestrates social behavior. We used this concept with the aim to develop a translational rat model of social-circuit dysfunction, the chronic PFC activation model (CPA). Methods Chemogenetic designer receptor hM3Dq was used to induce chronic activation of the PFC over 10 days, and the behavioral and electrophysiological signatures of prolonged PFC hyperactivity were evaluated. To test the sensitivity of this model to pharmacological interventions on longer timescales, and validate its translational potential, the rats were treated with our novel highly selective oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonist RO6958375, which is not activating the related vasopressin V1a receptor. Results CPA rats showed reduced sociability in the three-chamber sociability test, and a concomitant decrease in neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission within the PFC as measured by electrophysiological recordings in acute slice preparation. Sub-chronic treatment with a low dose of the novel OXTR agonist following CPA interferes with the emergence of PFC circuit dysfunction, abnormal social behavior and specific transcriptomic changes. Discussion These results demonstrate that sustained PFC hyperactivity modifies circuit characteristics and social behaviors in ways that can be modulated by selective OXTR activation and that this model may be used to understand the circuit recruitment of prosocial therapies in drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Janz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederic Knoflach
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Bleicher
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sara Belli
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Science, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Biemans
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Schnider
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Ebeling
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Science, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Grundschober
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Madhurima Benekareddy
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
- Calico Life Sciences, South San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
László K, Vörös D, Correia P, Fazekas CL, Török B, Plangár I, Zelena D. Vasopressin as Possible Treatment Option in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2603. [PMID: 37892977 PMCID: PMC10603886 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rather common, presenting with prevalent early problems in social communication and accompanied by repetitive behavior. As vasopressin was implicated not only in salt-water homeostasis and stress-axis regulation, but also in social behavior, its role in the development of ASD might be suggested. In this review, we summarized a wide range of problems associated with ASD to which vasopressin might contribute, from social skills to communication, motor function problems, autonomous nervous system alterations as well as sleep disturbances, and altered sensory information processing. Beside functional connections between vasopressin and ASD, we draw attention to the anatomical background, highlighting several brain areas, including the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, medial preoptic area, lateral septum, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, amygdala, hippocampus, olfactory bulb and even the cerebellum, either producing vasopressin or containing vasopressinergic receptors (presumably V1a). Sex differences in the vasopressinergic system might underline the male prevalence of ASD. Moreover, vasopressin might contribute to the effectiveness of available off-label therapies as well as serve as a possible target for intervention. In this sense, vasopressin, but paradoxically also V1a receptor antagonist, were found to be effective in some clinical trials. We concluded that although vasopressin might be an effective candidate for ASD treatment, we might assume that only a subgroup (e.g., with stress-axis disturbances), a certain sex (most probably males) and a certain brain area (targeting by means of virus vectors) would benefit from this therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristóf László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dávid Vörös
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Pedro Correia
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Imola Plangár
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
An analysis of 156 published clinical candidates from the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry between 2018 and 2021 was conducted to identify lead generation strategies most frequently employed leading to drug candidates. As in a previous publication, the most frequent lead generation strategies resulting in clinical candidates were from known compounds (59%) followed by random screening approaches (21%). The remainder of the approaches included directed screening, fragment screening, DNA-encoded library screening (DEL), and virtual screening. An analysis of similarity was also conducted based on Tanimoto-MCS and revealed most clinical candidates were distant from their original hits; however, most shared a key pharmacophore that translated from hit-to-clinical candidate. An examination of frequency of oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, chlorine, and sulfur incorporation in clinical candidates was also conducted. The three most similar and least similar hit-to-clinical pairs from random screening were examined to provide perspective on changes that occur that lead to successful clinical candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dean G Brown
- Jnana Therapeutics, One Design Center Pl Suite 19-400, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roecker AJ, Schirripa KM, Loughran HM, Tong L, Liang T, Fillgrove KL, Kuo Y, Bleasby K, Collier H, Altman MD, Ford MC, Drolet RE, Cosden M, Jinn S, Hatcher NG, Yao L, Kandebo M, Vardigan JD, Flick RB, Liu X, Minnick C, Price LA, Watt ML, Lemaire W, Burlein C, Adam GC, Austin LA, Marcus JN, Smith SM, Fraley ME. Pyrazole Ureas as Low Dose, CNS Penetrant Glucosylceramide Synthase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:146-155. [PMID: 36793422 PMCID: PMC9923837 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the second most prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Loss-of-function mutations in GBA, the gene that encodes for the lysosomal enzyme glucosylcerebrosidase, are a major genetic risk factor for the development of Parkinson's disease potentially through the accumulation of glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine in the CNS. A therapeutic strategy to reduce glycosphingolipid accumulation in the CNS would entail inhibition of the enzyme responsible for their synthesis, glucosylceramide synthase (GCS). Herein, we report the optimization of a bicyclic pyrazole amide GCS inhibitor discovered through HTS to low dose, oral, CNS penetrant, bicyclic pyrazole urea GCSi's with in vivo activity in mouse models and ex vivo activity in iPSC neuronal models of synucleinopathy and lysosomal dysfunction. This was accomplished through the judicious use of parallel medicinal chemistry, direct-to-biology screening, physics-based rationalization of transporter profiles, pharmacophore modeling, and use a novel metric: volume ligand efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J. Roecker
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Kathy M. Schirripa
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - H. Marie Loughran
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Ling Tong
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Tao Liang
- Discovery
Process Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Kerry L. Fillgrove
- ADME
& Discovery Toxicology, Merck &
Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Yuhsin Kuo
- ADME
& Discovery Toxicology, Merck &
Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Kelly Bleasby
- ADME
Transporters, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Hannah Collier
- ADME
Transporters, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Michael D. Altman
- Computational
and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co.,
Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Melissa C. Ford
- Computational
and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co.,
Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Robert E. Drolet
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Mali Cosden
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Sarah Jinn
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Nathan G. Hatcher
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Lihang Yao
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Monika Kandebo
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Joshua D. Vardigan
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Rosemarie B. Flick
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Christina Minnick
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Laura A. Price
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Marla L. Watt
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Wei Lemaire
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Christine Burlein
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Gregory C. Adam
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Lauren A. Austin
- Discovery
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Merck & Co.,
Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Jacob N. Marcus
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Sean M. Smith
- Discovery
Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Mark E. Fraley
- Discovery
Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Baska F, Bozó É, Patócs T. Vasopressin receptor antagonists: a patent summary (2018-2022). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:385-395. [PMID: 37226495 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2218546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Arginine-vasopressin hormone (AVP) is a key regulator in many essential physiological processes. The effect of AVP is mediated through three receptors within the body, these are the G protein-coupled vasopressin receptors, namely V1a, V1b (also called V3), and V2. Numerous studies investigated the role of these receptors in certain pathological conditions; therefore, stimulation or inhibition of these receptors may be a treatment option in these diseases. AREAS COVERED In this manuscript, the authors summarize recent patent activity (2018-2022) associated with vasopressin receptor antagonists (selective V1a or V2, and dual-acting V1a/V2), focusing mostly on chemical structures, their modifications, and potential clinical applications. Patent search was carried out using SciFinder, Espacenet, Patentscope, Cortellis Competitive Intelligence, and Derwent Innovation databases. EXPERT OPINION In recent years, vasopressin receptor antagonists have been in the spotlight of drug discovery, especially V1a selective molecules. Publishing balovaptan as a possible treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), greatly increased the interest in CNS-acting vasopressin antagonists. In addition, peripherally active selective V2 and dual-acting V1a/V2 antagonists have also been developed. Although clinical trials were unsuccessful in many cases, there is still potential in the research of vasopressin receptor antagonists as shown by several currently ongoing clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Baska
- Chemistry Division, Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, Hungary
| | - Éva Bozó
- Chemistry Division, Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, Hungary
| | - Tamás Patócs
- IP Department, Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The live biotherapeutic Blautia stercoris MRx0006 attenuates social deficits, repetitive behaviour, and anxiety-like behaviour in a mouse model relevant to autism. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 106:115-126. [PMID: 35995237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by deficits in social behaviour, increased repetitive behaviour, anxiety and gastrointestinal symptoms. The aetiology of ASD is complex and involves an interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Emerging pre-clinical and clinical studies have documented a potential role for the gut microbiome in ASD, and consequently, the microbiota represents a potential target in the development of novel therapeutics for this neurodevelopmental disorder. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of the live biotherapeutic strain, Blautia stercoris MRx0006, in attenuating some of the behavioural deficits in the autism-relevant, genetic mouse model, BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR). We demonstrate that daily oral administration with MRx0006 attenuates social deficits while also decreasing repetitive and anxiety-like behaviour. MRx0006 administration increases the gene expression of oxytocin and its receptor in hypothalamic cells in vitro and increases the expression of hypothalamic arginine vasopressin and oxytocin mRNA in BTBR mice. Additionally at the microbiome level, we observed that MRx0006 administration decreases the abundance of Alistipes putredinis, and modulates the faecal microbial metabolite profile. This alteration in the metabolite profile possibly underlies the observed increase in expression of oxytocin, arginine vasopressin and its receptors, and the consequent improvements in behavioural outcomes. Taken together, these findings suggest that the live biotherapeutic MRx0006 may represent a viable and efficacious treatment option for the management of physiological and behavioural deficits associated with ASD.
Collapse
|
13
|
Hollander E, Jacob S, Jou R, McNamara N, Sikich L, Tobe R, Smith J, Sanders K, Squassante L, Murtagh L, Gleissl T, Wandel C, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. Balovaptan vs Placebo for Social Communication in Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2022; 79:760-769. [PMID: 35793101 PMCID: PMC9260643 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.1717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Importance There are no approved medications for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), socialization and communication difficulties. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of balovaptan, an oral selective vasopressin 1a receptor antagonist, compared with placebo in children and adolescents with ASD. Design, Setting, and Participants The aV1ation study was a randomized, double-blind, 24-week, parallel-group, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. Between November 22, 2016, and September 3, 2019, individuals were screened and randomly assigned to treatment groups. The primary efficacy analysis population comprised participants taking age-adjusted balovaptan equivalent to a 10-mg adult dose and participants from the concurrently randomized placebo group. This multicenter trial took place across 41 sites in the US. Participants were aged 5 to 17 years with diagnosed ASD and an IQ of 70 or greater. Data were analyzed from April 8 to November 16, 2020. Interventions Participants were randomly assigned to daily 4-mg or 10-mg adult-equivalent balovaptan or placebo, until the 4-mg group was discontinued. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was change from baseline on the Vineland-II two-domain composite (2DC; socialization and communication domains) score at week 24. Results Between November 2016 and September 2019, a total of 599 individuals were screened and 339 participants were randomly assigned to receive 4-mg balovaptan adult-equivalent dose (91 [26.8%]), 10-mg balovaptan adult-equivalent dose (126 [37.2%]), or placebo (122 [36.0%]). Primary analysis included 86 participants assigned to receive 10-mg balovaptan adult-equivalent dose and 81 assigned to receive placebo (mean [SD] age, 12.1 [3.4] years; 139 male participants [83.2%]). No statistically significant differences were observed between the balovaptan and placebo groups in change from baseline on the Vineland-II 2DC score at week 24 (difference in adjusted least-squares mean, -0.16; 90% CI, -2.56 to 2.23; P = .91). No improvements for balovaptan vs placebo were observed at week 24 for any secondary end points. Balovaptan was well tolerated with no emerging safety concerns. Similar proportions of participants reported adverse events (balovaptan, 66 of 86 [76.7%] vs placebo, 61 of 81 [75.3%]) and serious adverse events (balovaptan, 1 of 86 [1.2%] vs placebo, 4 of 81 [4.9%]). Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, balovaptan did not demonstrate efficacy in improvement of socialization and communication in this population with pediatric ASD. Balovaptan was well tolerated in children 5 years or older. Further development of robust, sensitive, and objective outcome measures may help to improve future studies in the assessment of therapies targeting communication and socialization in pediatric ASD. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02901431.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Hollander
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Suma Jacob
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Roger Jou
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Nora McNamara
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Linmarie Sikich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Russell Tobe
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York
| | - Janice Smith
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Sanders
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Genentech, South San Francisco, California
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tan Z, Wei H, Song X, Mai W, Yan J, Ye W, Ling X, Hou L, Zhang S, Yan S, Xu H, Wang L. Positron Emission Tomography in the Neuroimaging of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:806876. [PMID: 35495051 PMCID: PMC9043810 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.806876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a basket term for neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by marked impairments in social interactions, repetitive and stereotypical behaviors, and restricted interests and activities. Subtypes include (A) disorders with known genetic abnormalities including fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis and (B) idiopathic ASD, conditions with unknown etiologies. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a molecular imaging technology that can be utilized in vivo for dynamic and quantitative research, and is a valuable tool for exploring pathophysiological mechanisms, evaluating therapeutic efficacy, and accelerating drug development in ASD. Recently, several imaging studies on ASD have been published and physiological changes during ASD progression was disclosed by PET. This paper reviews the specific radioligands for PET imaging of critical biomarkers in ASD, and summarizes and discusses the similar and different discoveries in outcomes of previous studies. It is of great importance to identify general physiological changes in cerebral glucose metabolism, cerebral blood flow perfusion, abnormalities in neurotransmitter systems, and inflammation in the central nervous system in ASD, which may provide excellent points for further ASD research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Tan
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiyi Wei
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiubao Song
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wangxiang Mai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajian Yan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijian Ye
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueying Ling
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Hou
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaojuan Zhang
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hao Xu,
| | - Lu Wang
- Center of Cyclotron and PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Lu Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Vasopressin and Its Analogues: From Natural Hormones to Multitasking Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063068. [PMID: 35328489 PMCID: PMC8955888 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human neurohormone vasopressin (AVP) is synthesized in overlapping regions in the hypothalamus. It is mainly known for its vasoconstricting abilities, and it is responsible for the regulation of plasma osmolality by maintaining fluid homeostasis. Over years, many attempts have been made to modify this hormone and find AVP analogues with different pharmacological profiles that could overcome its limitations. Non-peptide AVP analogues with low molecular weight presented good affinity to AVP receptors. Natural peptide counterparts, found in animals, are successfully applied as therapeutics; for instance, lypressin used in treatment of diabetes insipidus. Synthetic peptide analogues compensate for the shortcomings of AVP. Desmopressin is more resistant to proteolysis and presents mainly antidiuretic effects, while terlipressin is a long-acting AVP analogue and a drug recommended in the treatment of varicose bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis. Recently published results on diverse applications of AVP analogues in medicinal practice, including potential lypressin, terlipressin and ornipressin in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, are discussed.
Collapse
|
16
|
Jacob S, Veenstra-VanderWeele J, Murphy D, McCracken J, Smith J, Sanders K, Meyenberg C, Wiese T, Deol-Bhullar G, Wandel C, Ashford E, Anagnostou E. Efficacy and safety of balovaptan for socialisation and communication difficulties in autistic adults in North America and Europe: a phase 3, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Psychiatry 2022; 9:199-210. [PMID: 35151410 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(21)00429-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no approved pharmacological therapies to support treatment of the core communication and socialisation difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder in adults. We aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of balovaptan, a vasopressin 1a receptor antagonist, versus placebo in autistic adults. METHODS V1aduct was a phase 3, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, conducted at 46 sites across six countries (the USA, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Canada). Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older with an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 or higher, and met the criteria for moderate-to-severe autism spectrum disorder (DSM-5 and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). Participants were randomly allocated (1:1), with an independent interactive voice or web-based response system, to receive balovaptan (10 mg) or placebo daily for 24 weeks. Randomisation was stratified by an individual's baseline Vineland-II two-domain composite (2DC) score (<60 or ≥60), sex, region (North America or rest of world), and age (<25 years or ≥25 years). Participants, study site personnel, and the sponsor were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in Vineland-II 2DC score (the mean composite score across the Vineland-II socialisation and communication domains) at week 24. The primary analysis was done with ANCOVA in the intention-to-treat population. The V1aduct study was terminated for futility after around 50% of participants completed the week 24 visit. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03504917). FINDINGS Between Aug 8, 2018, and July 1, 2020, 540 people were screened for eligibility, of whom 322 were allocated to receive balovaptan (164 [51%]) or placebo (158 [49%]). One participant from the balovaptan group was not treated before trial termination and was excluded from the analysis. 60 participants in the balovaptan group and 55 in the placebo group discontinued treatment before week 24. The sample consisted of 64 (20%) women and 257 (80%) men, with 260 (81%) participants from North America and 61 (19%) from Europe. At baseline, mean age was 27·6 years (SD 9·7) and mean IQ score was 104·8 (18·1). Two (1%) participants were American Indian or Alaska Native, eight (2%) were Asian, 15 (5%) were Black or African American, 283 (88%) were White, four (1%) were of multiple races, and nine (3%) were of unknown race. Mean baseline Vineland-II 2DC scores were 67·2 (SD 15·3) in the balovaptan group and 66·2 (17·7) in the placebo group. The interim futility analysis showed no improvement for balovaptan versus placebo in terms of Vineland-II 2DC score at week 24 compared with baseline, with a least-squares mean change of 2·91 (SE 1·52) in the balovaptan group (n=79) and 4·75 (1·60) in the placebo group (n=71; estimated treatment difference -1·84 [95% CI -5·15 to 1·48]). In the final analysis, mean change from baseline in Vineland-II 2DC score at week 24 was 4·56 (SD 10·85) in the balovaptan group (n=111) and 6·83 (12·18) in the placebo group (n=99). Balovaptan was well tolerated, with similar proportions of participants with at least one adverse event in the balovaptan group (98 [60%] of 163) and placebo group (104 [66%] of 158). The most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis (14 [9%] in the balovaptan group and 19 [12%] in the placebo group), diarrhoea (11 [7%] and 14 [9%]), upper respiratory tract infection (ten [6%] and nine [6%]), insomnia (five [3%] and eight [5%]), oropharyngeal pain (five [3%] and eight [5%]), and dizziness (two [1%] and ten [6%]). Serious adverse events were reported for two (1%) participants in the balovaptan group (one each of suicidal ideation and schizoaffective disorder), and five (3%) participants in the placebo group (one each of suicidal ideation, panic disorder, limb abscess, urosepsis, colitis [in the same participant with urosepsis], and death by suicide). No treatment-related deaths occurred. INTERPRETATION Balovaptan did not improve social communication in autistic adults. This study provides insights into challenges facing autism spectrum disorder trials, including the considerable placebo response and the selection of appropriate outcome measures. FUNDING F Hoffmann-La Roche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suma Jacob
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | | | | | - James McCracken
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Kevin Sanders
- F Hoffmann-La Roche, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Beshore DC, Haidle AM, Arasappan A, Lim YH, Raheem I, Roecker AJ, Shockley SE, Simov V. Building a Culture of Medicinal Chemistry Knowledge Sharing. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3776-3785. [PMID: 35192762 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Increasing the efficiency of the drug discovery process is a challenge faced by drug hunters everywhere. One strategy medicinal chemists employ to meet this challenge is learning from knowledge sources within and beyond their organization. In this Perspective, we discuss the evolution of mechanisms for medicinal chemistry knowledge capture and sharing at Merck & Co. over the past 15 years. We describe our approach to knowledge management and report on the multiple enduring and complementary teams and initiatives we have created to capture and share knowledge within a geographically diverse medicinal chemistry community. In addition, this Perspective will share the benefits we have observed and also reflect on what has allowed our efforts to be both successful and sustainable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C Beshore
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Andrew M Haidle
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Ashok Arasappan
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Yeon-Hee Lim
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Izzat Raheem
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Anthony J Roecker
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Samantha E Shockley
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Vladimir Simov
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Che K, Muttenthaler M, Kurzbach D. Conformational selection of vasopressin upon V 1a receptor binding. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:5826-5833. [PMID: 34765097 PMCID: PMC8567363 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide vasopressin (VP) and its three G protein-coupled receptors (V1aR, V1bR and V2R) are of high interest in a wide array of drug discovery programs. V1aR is of particular importance due to its cardiovascular functions and diverse roles in the central nervous system. The structure–activity relationships underpinning ligand-receptor interactions remain however largely unclear, hindering rational drug design. This is not least due to the high structural flexibility of VP in its free as well as receptor-bound states. In this work, we developed a novel approach to reveal features of conformational selectivity upon VP-V1aR complex formation. We employed virtual screening strategies to probe VP’s conformational space for transiently adopted structures that favor binding to V1aR. To this end, we dissected the VP conformational space into three sub-ensembles, each containing distinct structural sets for VP’s three-residue C-terminal tail. We validated the computational results with experimental nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data and docked each sub-ensemble to V1aR. We observed that the conformation of VP’s three-residue tail significantly modulated the complex dissociation constants. Solvent-exposed and proline trans-configured VP tail conformations bound to the receptor with three-fold enhanced affinities compared to compacted or cis-configured conformations. The solvent-exposed and more flexible structures facilitated unique interaction patterns between VP and V1aR transmembrane helices 3, 4, and 6 which led to high binding energies. The presented “virtual conformational space screening” approach, integrated with NMR spectroscopy, thus enabled identification and characterization of a conformational selection-type complex formation mechanism that confers novel perspectives on targeting the VP-V1aR interactions at the level of the encounter complex – an aspect that opens novel research avenues for understanding the functionality of the evolutionary selected conformational properties of VP, as well as guidance for ligand design strategies to provide more potent and selective VP analogues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Che
- University Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Währinger Str. 38, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- University Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Währinger Str. 38, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 306 Carmody Rd, 4072 St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dennis Kurzbach
- University Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Währinger Str. 38, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Haider A, Xiao Z, Xia X, Chen J, Van RS, Kuang S, Zhao C, Rong J, Shao T, Ramesh P, Aravind A, Shao Y, Ran C, Young LJ, Liang SH. Development of a triazolobenzodiazepine-based PET probe for subtype-selective vasopressin 1A receptor imaging. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105886. [PMID: 34536549 PMCID: PMC8581590 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To enable non-invasive real-time quantification of vasopressin 1A (V1A) receptors in peripheral organs, we sought to develop a suitable PET probe that would allow specific and selective V1A receptor imaging in vitro and in vivo. METHODS We synthesized a high-affinity and -selectivity ligand, designated compound 17. The target structure was labeled with carbon-11 and tested for its utility as a V1A-targeted PET tracer by cell uptake studies, autoradiography, in vivo PET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution experiments. RESULTS Compound 17 (PF-184563) and the respective precursor for radiolabeling were synthesized in an overall yield of 49% (over 7 steps) and 40% (over 8 steps), respectively. An inhibitory constant of 0.9 nM towards the V1A receptors was measured, while excellent selectivity over the related V1B, V2 and OT receptor (IC50 >10,000 nM) were obtained. Cell uptake studies revealed considerable V1A binding, which was significantly reduced in the presence of V1A antagonists. Conversely, there was no significant blockade in the presence of V1B and V2 antagonists. In vitro autoradiography and PET imaging studies in rodents indicated specific tracer binding mainly in the liver. Further, the pancreas, spleen and the heart exhibited specific binding of [11C]17 ([11C]PF-184563) by ex vivo biodistribution experiments. CONCLUSION We have developed the first V1A-targeted PET ligand that is suitable for subtype-selective receptor imaging in peripheral organs including the liver, heart, pancreas and spleen. Our findings suggest that [11C]PF-184563 can be a valuable tool to study the role of V1A receptors in liver diseases, as well as in cardiovascular pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Haider
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Zhiwei Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Xiaotian Xia
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Richard S Van
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, United States
| | - Shi Kuang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, United States
| | - Chunyu Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Jian Rong
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Tuo Shao
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | | | | | - Yihan Shao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, United States
| | - Chongzhao Ran
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, United States
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United Stated
| | - Steven H Liang
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Subbaiah MAM, Meanwell NA. Bioisosteres of the Phenyl Ring: Recent Strategic Applications in Lead Optimization and Drug Design. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14046-14128. [PMID: 34591488 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The benzene moiety is the most prevalent ring system in marketed drugs, underscoring its historic popularity in drug design either as a pharmacophore or as a scaffold that projects pharmacophoric elements. However, introspective analyses of medicinal chemistry practices at the beginning of the 21st century highlighted the indiscriminate deployment of phenyl rings as an important contributor to the poor physicochemical properties of advanced molecules, which limited their prospects of being developed into effective drugs. This Perspective deliberates on the design and applications of bioisosteric replacements for a phenyl ring that have provided practical solutions to a range of developability problems frequently encountered in lead optimization campaigns. While the effect of phenyl ring replacements on compound properties is contextual in nature, bioisosteric substitution can lead to enhanced potency, solubility, and metabolic stability while reducing lipophilicity, plasma protein binding, phospholipidosis potential, and inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes and the hERG channel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murugaiah A M Subbaiah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Centre, Biocon Park, Bommasandra IV Phase, Jigani Link Road, Bangalore, Karnataka 560099, India
| | - Nicholas A Meanwell
- Department of Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-4000, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Henneberry E, Lamy M, Dominick KC, Erickson CA. Decades of Progress in the Psychopharmacology of Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:4370-4394. [PMID: 34491511 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05237-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent decades have been marked by a wave drug treatment research in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This work has resulted in improved ability to treat commonly occurring behavioral challenges associated with ASD including most prominently irritability marked by aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe tantrums. While treatment of interfering behavior has progressed in our field, there remain several areas of unmet medical need including most prominently a lack of any approved drug therapies for the core, defining symptoms of autism. We outline the progress to date in the field of autism drug treatment while taking a future look forward into how decades of work can inform better future steps in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin Henneberry
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Martine Lamy
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Kelli C Dominick
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Derks M, Lennon-Chrimes S, Guenther A, Squassante L, Wandel C, Szczesny P, Paehler A, Kletzl H. Bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile of balovaptan, a selective, brain-penetrant vasopressin 1a receptor antagonist, in healthy volunteers. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:893-901. [PMID: 34176392 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1948009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Balovaptan is a potent, selective vasopressin 1a receptor antagonist. The early-phase pharmacokinetics (PK) of balovaptan are reported. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Two Phase 1 studies (overall N = 93) assessed single- and multiple-dose balovaptan PK in healthy adults. One (N = 16) assessed absolute oral bioavailability (10 mg or 50 mg) vs a [13C]-balovaptan microdose. The other (N = 77) explored single- (0.5-76 mg) and multiple-dose (14 days; 12-52 mg/day) - randomized 6:2 balovaptan:placebo per dose - PK, dose proportionality, and the effect of food on single-dose (32 mg) Cmax and AUCinf. RESULTS Absolute balovaptan bioavailability was high (103-116%). Steady-state (Day 14) balovaptan PK was approximately dose proportional with a half-life of 45-47 hours, but single-dose Cmax increased more than dose proportionally and half-life was inversely dose-proportional - a discordance partially attributable to a dose-and-time-dependent volume of distribution. Accumulation (Day 1-Day 14) was inversely dose-proportional (~3.5 [12 mg] to ~1.8 [52 mg]). There was no relevant effect of a high-fat meal on single-dose balovaptan exposure. There were no safety signals: 2/93 subjects discontinued for adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Balovaptan was well tolerated at single (≤76 mg) and multiple (≤52 mg/day) doses, with a PK profile supportive of once-daily administration without food restrictions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03764449; NCT01418963.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Derks
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Welwyn, Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Sian Lennon-Chrimes
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Welwyn, Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Andreas Guenther
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Squassante
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Wandel
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Piotr Szczesny
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Axel Paehler
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heidemarie Kletzl
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Szeleczky Z, Szakács Z, Bozó É, Baska F, Vukics K, Lévai S, Temesvári K, Vass E, Béni Z, Krámos B, Magdó I, Szántay C, Kóti J, Domány-Kovács K, Greiner I, Bata I. Synthesis and Characterization of New V 1A Antagonist Compounds: The Separation of Four Atropisomeric Stereoisomers. J Med Chem 2021; 64:10445-10468. [PMID: 34255509 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
A new class of selective vasopressin receptor 1A (V1A) antagonists was identified, where "methyl-scan" was performed around the benzene ring of the 5-hydroxy-triazolobenzazepine core. This led to the synthesis of two 10-methyl derivatives, each possessing a chiral axis and a stereogenic center. The four atropisomeric stereoisomers (involving two enantiomer pairs and atropisomeric diastereomers) could be successfully isolated and spectroscopically characterized. According to the in vitro pharmacological profiles of the compounds, the human V1A receptor has a strong preference toward the isomers having an aR axial chirality, the most active isomer being the aR,5S isomer. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationships obtained for the isomers and for the newly synthesized analogues could be tentatively explained by an in silico study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Szeleczky
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szakács
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| | - Éva Bozó
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Baska
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| | | | - Sándor Lévai
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| | | | - Elemér Vass
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Béni
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| | - Balázs Krámos
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Magdó
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| | - Csaba Szántay
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| | - János Kóti
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| | | | - István Greiner
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| | - Imre Bata
- Gedeon Richter Plc., 19-21 Gyömrői út, Budapest 1103, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Xu T, Xue Y, Lu J, Jin C. Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1-(4-(piperazin-1-yl)phenyl)pyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives as potential SSRIs. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 223:113644. [PMID: 34182358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A series of novel 1-(4-(piperazin-1-yl)phenyl)pyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitory activity. The results in vitro indicated that most of the evaluated compounds displayed potent 5-HT reuptake inhibition. The most promising compound A20 was stable in human liver microsomes and possessed good pharmacokinetic properties. Antidepressant study in vivo of the compound A20 showed that A20 could potently antagonize the p-chloroamphetamine (PCA)-induced depletion of serotonin in hypothalamus and reduce immobility times in the rat forced swimming test (FST).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Xu
- Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, PR China; HEC Pharm Group, HEC Research and Development Center, Dongguan 523871, PR China
| | - Yaping Xue
- Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, PR China; HEC Pharm Group, HEC Research and Development Center, Dongguan 523871, PR China
| | - Jielian Lu
- Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, PR China; HEC Pharm Group, HEC Research and Development Center, Dongguan 523871, PR China
| | - Chuanfei Jin
- Sunshine Lake Pharma Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, PR China; HEC Pharm Group, HEC Research and Development Center, Dongguan 523871, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Neuroprotective Effect of Aurantio-Obtusin, a Putative Vasopressin V 1A Receptor Antagonist, on Transient Forebrain Ischemia Mice Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073335. [PMID: 33805177 PMCID: PMC8037569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been a rich source of novel drug discovery, and Cassia seed is one of the common TCMs with numerous biological effects. Based on the existing reports on neuroprotection by Cassia seed extract, the present study aims to search possible pharmacological targets behind the neuroprotective effects of the Cassia seeds by evaluating the functional effect of specific Cassia compounds on various G-protein-coupled receptors. Among the four test compounds (cassiaside, rubrofusarin gentiobioside, aurantio-obtusin, and 2-hydroxyemodin 1-methylether), only aurantio-obtusin demonstrated a specific V1AR antagonist effect (71.80 ± 6.0% inhibition at 100 µM) and yielded an IC50 value of 67.70 ± 2.41 μM. A molecular docking study predicted an additional interaction of the hydroxyl group at C6 and a methoxy group at C7 of aurantio-obtusin with the Ser341 residue as functional for the observed antagonist effect. In the transient brain ischemia/reperfusion injury C57BL/6 mice model, aurantio-obtusin attenuated the latency time that was reduced in the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) groups. Likewise, compared to neuronal damage in the BCCAO groups, treatment with aurantio-obtusin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the severity of damage in medial cornu ammonis 1 (mCA1), dorsal CA1, and cortex regions. Overall, the findings of this study highlight V1AR as a possible target of aurantio-obtusin for neuroprotection.
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang H, Qin Z, Yan A. Classification models and SAR analysis on CysLT1 receptor antagonists using machine learning algorithms. Mol Divers 2021; 25:1597-1616. [PMID: 33534023 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-020-10165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cysteinyl leukotrienes 1 (CysLT1) receptor is a promising drug target for rhinitis or other allergic diseases. In our study, we built classification models to predict bioactivities of CysLT1 receptor antagonists. We built a dataset with 503 CysLT1 receptor antagonists which were divided into two groups: highly active molecules (IC50 < 1000 nM) and weakly active molecules (IC50 ≥ 1000 nM). The molecules were characterized by several descriptors including CORINA descriptors, MACCS fingerprints, Morgan fingerprint and molecular SMILES. For CORINA descriptors and two types of fingerprints, we used the random forests (RF) and deep neural networks (DNN) to build models. For molecular SMILES, we used recurrent neural networks (RNN) with the self-attention to build models. The accuracies of test sets for all models reached 85%, and the accuracy of the best model (Model 2C) was 93%. In addition, we made structure-activity relationship (SAR) analyses on CysLT1 receptor antagonists, which were based on the output from the random forest models and RNN model. It was found that highly active antagonists usually contained the common substructures such as tetrazoles, indoles and quinolines. These substructures may improve the bioactivity of the CysLT1 receptor antagonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijian Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Aixia Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sparapani S, Millet-Boureima C, Oliver J, Mu K, Hadavi P, Kalostian T, Ali N, Avelar CM, Bardies M, Barrow B, Benedikt M, Biancardi G, Bindra R, Bui L, Chihab Z, Cossitt A, Costa J, Daigneault T, Dault J, Davidson I, Dias J, Dufour E, El-Khoury S, Farhangdoost N, Forget A, Fox A, Gebrael M, Gentile MC, Geraci O, Gnanapragasam A, Gomah E, Haber E, Hamel C, Iyanker T, Kalantzis C, Kamali S, Kassardjian E, Kontos HK, Le TBU, LoScerbo D, Low YF, Mac Rae D, Maurer F, Mazhar S, Nguyen A, Nguyen-Duong K, Osborne-Laroche C, Park HW, Parolin E, Paul-Cole K, Peer LS, Philippon M, Plaisir CA, Porras Marroquin J, Prasad S, Ramsarun R, Razzaq S, Rhainds S, Robin D, Scartozzi R, Singh D, Fard SS, Soroko M, Soroori Motlagh N, Stern K, Toro L, Toure MW, Tran-Huynh S, Trépanier-Chicoine S, Waddingham C, Weekes AJ, Wisniewski A, Gamberi C. The Biology of Vasopressin. Biomedicines 2021; 9:89. [PMID: 33477721 PMCID: PMC7832310 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasopressins are evolutionarily conserved peptide hormones. Mammalian vasopressin functions systemically as an antidiuretic and regulator of blood and cardiac flow essential for adapting to terrestrial environments. Moreover, vasopressin acts centrally as a neurohormone involved in social and parental behavior and stress response. Vasopressin synthesis in several cell types, storage in intracellular vesicles, and release in response to physiological stimuli are highly regulated and mediated by three distinct G protein coupled receptors. Other receptors may bind or cross-bind vasopressin. Vasopressin is regulated spatially and temporally through transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, sex, tissue, and cell-specific receptor expression. Anomalies of vasopressin signaling have been observed in polycystic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, and neuropsychiatric conditions. Growing knowledge of the central biological roles of vasopressin has enabled pharmacological advances to treat these conditions by targeting defective systemic or central pathways utilizing specific agonists and antagonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chiara Gamberi
- Biology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada; (S.S.); (C.M.-B.); (J.O.); (K.M.); (P.H.); (T.K.); (N.A.); (C.M.A.); (M.B.); (B.B.); (M.B.); (G.B.); (R.B.); (L.B.); (Z.C.); (A.C.); (J.C.); (T.D.); (J.D.); (I.D.); (J.D.); (E.D.); (S.E.-K.); (N.F.); (A.F.); (A.F.); (M.G.); (M.C.G.); (O.G.); (A.G.); (E.G.); (E.H.); (C.H.); (T.I.); (C.K.); (S.K.); (E.K.); (H.K.K.); (T.B.U.L.); (D.L.); (Y.F.L.); (D.M.R.); (F.M.); (S.M.); (A.N.); (K.N.-D.); (C.O.-L.); (H.W.P.); (E.P.); (K.P.-C.); (L.S.P.); (M.P.); (C.-A.P.); (J.P.M.); (S.P.); (R.R.); (S.R.); (S.R.); (D.R.); (R.S.); (D.S.); (S.S.F.); (M.S.); (N.S.M.); (K.S.); (L.T.); (M.W.T.); (S.T.-H.); (S.T.-C.); (C.W.); (A.J.W.); (A.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Baska F, Szántó G, Bozó É, Szakács Z, Dékány M, Szondiné Kordás K, Domány-Kovács K, Kurkó D, Hodoscsek B, Magdó I, Krámos B, Béni Z, Vastag M, Bata I. Discovery of New Heterocyclic Ring Systems as Novel and Potent V 1A Receptor Antagonists. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3532-3540. [PMID: 33084311 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disease with increasing occurrence. Recent studies focus on the development of novel V1A receptor antagonists which can influence the core symptoms of autism through the AVP pathway. In this study, we describe the synthesis of new heterocyclic ring systems. These are a novel class of brain-penetrating V1A antagonists with improved metabolic stability and in vivo potency. The efficacy of the compounds was strongly influenced by the position of the chlorine atom, suggesting halogen bond formation between the ligands and the V1A receptor.
Collapse
Key Words
- ASD
- CNS
- V1A receptor
- halogen bonding
- imidazo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-c][1,3]diazepine
- imidazo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-c][1,3]diazocine
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Baska
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Gábor Szántó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Éva Bozó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szakács
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Miklós Dékány
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | | | | | - Dalma Kurkó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Barbara Hodoscsek
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Magdó
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Balázs Krámos
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Béni
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Mónika Vastag
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| | - Imre Bata
- Gedeon Richter Plc, Budapest 10, PO Box 27, Budapest H-1475, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Derks MGM, Wandel C, Young A, Bolt SK, Meyenberg C. Open-Label Assessment of the Effects of Itraconazole and Rifampicin on Balovaptan Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Volunteers. Adv Ther 2020; 37:4720-4729. [PMID: 32935287 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01491-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Balovaptan, an investigational vasopressin 1a receptor antagonist that has been evaluated for improvement of social communication and interaction, is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). METHODS Two single-center, non-randomized, two-period, phase 1 studies assessed the effect of the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor itraconazole (study NCT03579719) or the strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampicin (study NCT03586726) at steady state on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of steady-state balovaptan in healthy volunteers. Participants received balovaptan (5 or 10 mg/day) alone for 10 days, or in combination with itraconazole (200 mg/day) for 15 days, or rifampicin (600 mg/day) for 10 days, following balovaptan washout and itraconazole/rifampicin pre-dosing. Geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and 90% confidence intervals (90% CIs) for the area under the concentration-time curve over the dosing interval (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of balovaptan dosed with vs. without itraconazole/rifampicin were estimated from a mixed effects model. RESULTS Both studies comprised 15-16 healthy male and female volunteers. Itraconazole 200 mg/day elevated steady-state exposure to 5 mg/day balovaptan approximately 4.5-5.5-fold (Day 15 GMR [90% CI], 4.46 [4.06-4.90] for Cmax and 5.57 [5.00-6.21] for AUC) and extended the time to steady state from ~ 5 days to ~ 13-14 days. Rifampicin 600 mg/day resulted in ~ 90% reductions in both the Cmax (Day 10 GMR [90% CI], 0.14 [0.12-0.15]) and AUC (0.07 [0.06-0.07]) of balovaptan 10 mg/day. Time to balovaptan steady state could not be determined with rifampicin. There were no clinically significant safety findings in either study. CONCLUSIONS Strong modulators of CYP3A4 activity will significantly alter the PK of balovaptan, with the effect of CYP3A4 induction greater than that of inhibition. Caution should be taken when concomitantly dosing balovaptan with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03579719; NCT03586726.
Collapse
|