Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of 4H-4-oxoquinolizine derivatives: consequences of structural modification at the C-8 position

The antibacterial 4H-4-oxoquinolizines were introduced recently to overcome bacterial resistance to fluoroquinolones. They exhibit potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and anaerobic organisms and are highly active against some quinolone-resistant bacteria including quinolone-resistant MRSA. Preliminary studies indicated that oxoquinolizines possess distinct activity and toxicity profiles as compared with their parent quinolones. In order to develop a potent antibacterial agent with the desired spectrum of activity, good tolerability, and balanced pharmacokinetic profile, we synthesized and evaluated a series of oxoquinolizines with various substituents at the C-8 position. Most compounds tested in this study demonstrated better activity against Gram-positive bacteria than ciprofloxacin and exhibited good susceptibility against ciprofloxacin- and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. While maintaining potent in vitro activity, several compounds showed improved in vivo efficacy over ABT-719 as indicated by the mouse protection test. As an example, the oral ED(50) values for the cis-3-amino-4-methylpiperidine analogue 3ss against S. aureus NCTC 10649M, S. pneumoniae ATCC 6303, and E. coli JUHL were 0. 8, 2.0, and 1.4 mg/kg, compared to 3.0, 10.0, and 8.3 mg/kg for ABT-719. The current study revealed that the steric and electronic environment, conformation, and absolute stereochemistry of the C-8 group are very important to the antibacterial profiles. Structural modifications of the C-8 group provide a useful means to improve the antibacterial activities, physicochemical properties, and pharmacokinetic profiles. Manipulation of the C-8 group also allows us to generate analogues with the desired spectrum of activity, such as analogues that are selective against respiratory pathogens.

The 2-pyridone antibacterial agents: 8-position modifications

Improved potency against multiply resistant streptococci and anaerobic microorganisms relative to current antibiotics has been sought by many laboratories around the world. As one result of attempts to prepare analogs of 4-quinolone anti-infectives bearing novel ring systems, the 2-pyridones were discovered. The 2-pyridones, which are bioisosteres of 4-quinolones, are highly active against a wide range of resistant strains of bacteria. Several hundreds of 2-pyridones have been synthesized incorporating modifications at various positions. In order to reduce the complexity of this review, only the widely adopted 8-position modifications (corresponding to the 7-position of the quinolones) will be discussed here. From scientific publications and patents, it is clear that many of the 2-pyridones are very promising candidates and yet only selective members of these compounds have been advanced to detailed preclinical trials. Among the promising candidates, A-170568 was demonstrated to have the best overall profile in terms of the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities, safety profile, and tissue penetration.

Nonpeptide renin inhibitors with good intraduodenal bioavailability and efficacy in dog

The aim of this study was the discovery of nonpeptide renin inhibitors with much improved oral absorption, bioavailability, and efficacy, for use as antihypertensive agents. Our prior efforts led to the identification of A-74273 [1,R = 3-(4-morpholino)propyl], with a bioavailability of 26 +/- 10% [10 mg/kg intraduodenally (id), dog]. In vivo metabolism studies of A-74273 showed that the morpholino moiety underwent metabolic degradation. Computer modeling of A-74273 bound to renin indicated that the C-terminus was involved in a hydrogen-bonding network. New C-terminal groups were examined in two series of nonpeptides for effects on renin binding potency, lipophilicity (log P), and aqueous solubility. Those groups which possessed multiple hydrogen-bonding ability (3,5-diaminotriazole, cyanoguanidines, morpholino) provided particularly potent renin binding. Intraduodenal bioavailabilities of selected compounds, evaluated in rats, ferrets, and dogs, were higher for inhibitors with moderate solubility as well as moderate lipophilicity, in general. Although the absolute values varied substantially among species, the relative ordering of the inhibitors in terms of absorption and bioavailability was reasonably consistent. Such well absorbed inhibitors (e.g. 41, 44, and 51) were demonstrated as highly efficacious hypotensive agents in the salt-depleted dog. We report here the discovery of a series of efficacious nonpeptide renin inhibitors based on the 3-azaglutaramide P2-P4 replacement, the best of which showed id bioavailabilities > 50% in dog.

Effects of high doses of A-74273, a novel nonpeptidic and orally bioavailable renin inhibitor

Previous studies with peptidic renin inhibitors have shown that high intravenous (i.v.) doses can induce unexpectedly large decreases in blood pressure (BP) that appear to be independent of plasma renin inhibition. A-74273 represents a new class of potent and orally bioavailable nonpeptidic renin inhibitors. We evaluated the BP effects of this renin inhibitor administered orally (p.o.) or i.v. at high doses to conscious salt-depleted dogs. Administration of A-74273 at 30 and 60 mg/kg p.o. (n = 6 per dose) produced similar maximum reductions in BP (-40 +/- 4 vs. -46 +/- 5 mm Hg) despite the occurrence of greater plasma drug concentrations at the higher dose. Duration of hypotension, however, was increased (p < 0.05) from 9 h at 30 mg/kg to 18 h at 60 mg/kg. The initial depressor response to 10 and 30 mg/kg i.v. doses of A-74273 (n = 6 per dose) was comparable, although duration and overall BP response was greater at 30 mg/kg i.v. No BP responses to A-74273 were noted in salt-replete dogs (n = 5). The hypotension produced by 30 mg/kg p.o. A-74273 was completely reversed by norepinephrine (NE 5 micrograms/kg/min; n = 5) or isotonic saline (4 ml/min/kg, n = 5) infusion. These studies demonstrate that high doses of A-74273 result in predictable BP responses that are renin-dependent and reversible. Therefore, large decreases in BP with high doses is not an attribute common to all renin inhibitors but appears to be a function of the structural characteristics specific to a particular compound.

Discovery of a well-absorbed, efficacious renin inhibitor, A-74273

The development of orally active renin inhibitors has been plagued by limited bioavailability in animals and humans. A-74273 is a novel, potent nonpeptide inhibitor of human renin (IC50 = 3.1 nM). This compound was absorbed into the portal and systemic circulations of anesthetized rats, ferrets, monkeys, and dogs after intraduodenal dosing. This favorable pattern also was observed after oral dosing in conscious animals, except in monkeys. Hepatic extraction of A-74273 was more efficient in rats and monkeys than in dogs or ferrets. A-74273 modestly inhibits dog renin, and when given orally as the base (0, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg; n = 8 per dose) to conscious, salt-depleted dogs it induced dose-related reductions in mean arterial pressure and plasma renin activity. Peak falls in mean arterial pressure from normotensive baselines were -14 +/- 1, -26 +/- 3, and -44 +/- 3 mm Hg for the 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Baseline plasma renin activity values (10.9 +/- 1.1-12.7 +/- 1.1 ng angiotensin I/ml/hr) were maximally inhibited, ranging from 43 +/- 8% at 0.3 mg/kg to 98 +/- 1% at 30 mg/kg. Bioavailability in this model was estimated to be 54 +/- 13% when plasma drug levels were determined by a renin inhibitory activity assay, but bioavailability was lower when compared with high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of A-74273. This discrepancy was accounted for by the identification of structurally similar metabolites that are as active as the parent drug against human renin but much less potent against dog renin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of Angiotensinase Inhibitors on Plasma Protein Binding and IC50 Determinations of Renin Inhibitors

To establish whether the use of proteinase inhibitors in the routine determination of in vitro plasma renin activity overestimates the potency of renin inhibitors in vivo, we examined the effects of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate on the binding to plasma proteins and the respective IC50 values (50% inhibiting concentrations) of three renin inhibitors. All three renin inhibitors, A-64662, A-65317, and A-74273, bound (&gt; 60%) to plasma proteins at both pH 6.0 and 7.4, with slightly greater binding at pH 7.4. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (1.45 mmol/L) had no significant effect on the protein binding at either pH 6.0 or 7.4; 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (3.4 mmol/L) caused a modest dissociation (10-30%) of the renin inhibitors from plasma proteins at both pH values; and the effects of both proteinase inhibitors together were similar to those of 8-hydroxyquinoline alone. At pH 7.4, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride increased the potencies of the three renin inhibitors slightly (&lt; or = 43%), whereas IC50 values determined in the presence of 8-hydroxyquinoline decreased by 1.5- to 3.7-fold. The greatest increase in potency occurred with the most hydrophilic compound, and with both angiotensinase inhibitors the effect was no greater than that of 8-hydroxyquinoline alone. The results show that any dissociation of the hypotensive activity measured in vivo from the plasma renin activity measured in vitro is not simply an artifact in the plasma renin activity assay stemming from the use of these angiotensinase inhibitors, especially if only phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride is used.

Effects of angiotensinase inhibitors on plasma protein binding and IC50 determinations of renin inhibitors

To establish whether the use of proteinase inhibitors in the routine determination of in vitro plasma renin activity overestimates the potency of renin inhibitors in vivo, we examined the effects of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate on the binding to plasma proteins and the respective IC50 values (50% inhibiting concentrations) of three renin inhibitors. All three renin inhibitors, A-64662, A-65317, and A-74273, bound (> 60%) to plasma proteins at both pH 6.0 and 7.4, with slightly greater binding at pH 7.4. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (1.45 mmol/L) had no significant effect on the protein binding at either pH 6.0 or 7.4; 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (3.4 mmol/L) caused a modest dissociation (10-30%) of the renin inhibitors from plasma proteins at both pH values; and the effects of both proteinase inhibitors together were similar to those of 8-hydroxyquinoline alone. At pH 7.4, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride increased the potencies of the three renin inhibitors slightly (< or = 43%), whereas IC50 values determined in the presence of 8-hydroxyquinoline decreased by 1.5- to 3.7-fold. The greatest increase in potency occurred with the most hydrophilic compound, and with both angiotensinase inhibitors the effect was no greater than that of 8-hydroxyquinoline alone. The results show that any dissociation of the hypotensive activity measured in vivo from the plasma renin activity measured in vitro is not simply an artifact in the plasma renin activity assay stemming from the use of these angiotensinase inhibitors, especially if only phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride is used.

Nonpeptide renin inhibitors employing a novel 3-aza(or oxa)-2,4-dialkyl glutaric acid moiety as a P2/P3 amide bond replacement

A new series of renin inhibitors has been developed. The inhibitors feature a novel replacement for the P2/P3 dipeptide moiety normally associated with renin inhibitors. The dipeptide replacement was a (2S,4S)-3-aza(or oxa)-2,4-dialkylglutaric acid amide. Extensive structure-activity relationship studies determined that optimum potency was achieved when inhibitors employed a benzyl and butyl group at the C(4) and C(2) carbon position, respectively. In addition, maximum in vitro potency was obtained when the N-terminus was functionalized by incorporating a 4-(1,3-dioxabutyl)piperidine amide. SAR data suggested that the 1,3-dioxabutyl group (methoxymethyl ether) interacted by hydrogen bonding to groups in the S4 domain of renin. This hypothesis was strengthened when a 4-butylpiperidine amide was substituted and inhibitor potency decreased dramatically. Inhibitors employing this novel dipeptide mimic were prepared by coupling the glutaric acid amides with either the transition-state mimic (2S,3R,4S)-2-amino-1-cyclohexyl-3,4-dihydroxy-6- methylheptane (18) or the hydroxyethylene dipeptide isostere. The glutaric acid amides were prepared by two general procedures. The first procedure involved the reductive amination of alpha-amino acid esters with alpha-keto esters. The second procedure involved the displacement reaction of alpha-bromo esters or acids with alpha-amino acid amides.

C-terminal modifications of nonpeptide renin inhibitors: improved oral bioavailability via modification of physicochemical properties

We describe the development of a series of soluble, potent, and bioavailable nonpeptide renin inhibitors. These inhibitors derived from a series of novel nonpeptide renin inhibitors which were recently identified in our laboratories, by alteration of the nature of the C-terminus (P2') of the molecules. Introduction of basic substituents into modified hydroxyethylene dipeptide isosteres gave inhibitors with improved solubility as well as improved potency against human plasma renin. In addition, these modifications produced inhibitors which displayed markedly improved intraduodenal bioavailability in both the ferret and cynomolgus monkey. We also present data which demonstrate excellent efficacy in the monkey for A-74273 (65), with an intraduodenal bioavailability of 16 +/- 4% in the monkey, compared to 1.7 +/- 0.5% for the dipeptide renin inhibitor enalkiren (A-64662, 75). A-74273 is an example of a nonpeptide inhibitor which possesses a good balance of the desirable properties of potency, solubility, and lipophilicity and which is well absorbed into the intestine.

Slow, tight binding to human renin of some nonpeptidic renin inhibitors containing a 4-methoxymethoxypiperidinylamide at the P4 position

A series of nonpeptidic human renin inhibitors with a 4-methoxymethoxypiperidinylamide at the P4 position of the molecule exhibited slow tight binding to the enzyme. Replacement of the methoxymethoxy moiety on the piperidine ring with H, OH, methoxyethyl, propyloxy or n-butyl eliminated the effect. The inhibition was partially reversed by prolonged dialysis at 4 degrees C, arguing against formation of a covalent bond in the tightened complex.

Renin inhibitors. Dipeptide analogues of angiotensinogen utilizing a structurally modified phenylalanine residue to impart proteolytic stability

A series of renin inhibitors have been prepared and evaluated for their susceptibility to cleavage by the serine protease chymotrypsin. The compounds were designed by consideration of the structural requirements in the active-site region of renin and chymotrypsin. By systematic alteration of the P3 phenylalanine residue, compounds with varying degrees of renin inhibitory potency and chymotrypsin susceptibility were obtained. Selected analogues from this group were examined in vivo for both their hypotensive effects and metabolic patterns.

Renin inhibitors. Dipeptide analogues of angiotensinogen utilizing a dihydroxyethylene transition-state mimic at the scissile bond to impart greater inhibitory potency

The synthesis of diol-containing renin inhibitors has revealed that a simple vicinal diol functionality corresponding to the scissile Leu-Val bond in human angiotensinogen is capable of imparting inhibitory activity at a comparable or higher level than either the corresponding aldehyde or hydroxymethyl functionality (compare inhibitors 2a-c or 3a-c). This finding has led to the further optimization of a series of small transition-state analogue inhibitors by the inclusion of a second hydroxyl group in the Leu-Val surrogate to give compounds that inhibited human renin in the 200-700-pM range (e.g. 43, 45, 63, 66). The magnitude of effect of the second hydroxyl group on potency is not only dictated by the absolute stereochemistry of the diol but also by the side chain of the P1 residue. Molecular modeling of the diol-containing inhibitors suggests that one of the hydroxyl groups hydrogen bonds to Asp 32 and Asp 215, while the second hydrogen bonds to Asp 215. These diol inhibitors are extremely selective for human renin over the related enzymes cathepsin D, pepsin, and gastricsin. At high concentrations, compounds containing a leucine or phenylalanine rather than a histidine at the P2 position gave only minor amounts of inhibition of the other enzymes. Inhibitor 43 suppressed plasma renin activity completely and lowered mean blood pressure in monkeys after both intravenous and intraduodenal administration, but the blood pressure drop lasted less than 1 h. Monitoring the blood levels of 43 by enzyme inhibition assay after intraduodenal administration to monkeys or oral administration to rats revealed low absorption and rapid clearance. While intratracheal administration to dogs gave approximately 50% bioavailability, rapid clearance was still a problem. After examination of inhibitor 45 in a sensitive primate model in which monkeys were rendered both hypertensive and hyperreninemic, the effects on lowering systolic but not diastolic pressure were apparent even after 22 h postdosing. Details on the synthesis, in vitro structure-activity relationships, molecular modeling, in vivo activity, and metabolism of these inhibitors are described.

Renin inhibitors. Dipeptide analogues of angiotensinogen incorporating transition-state, nonpeptidic replacements at the scissile bond

A series of dipeptide analogues of angiotensinogen have been prepared and evaluated for their ability to inhibit the aspartic proteinase renin. The compounds were derived from the renin substrate by replacing the scissile amide bond with a transition-state mimic and by incorporating bioisosteric replacements for the Val-10 amide bond. Analogue 21a exhibited an IC50 of 7.6 nM against purified human renin, showed high specificity for this enzyme, and produced a hypotensive response in anesthetized, salt-depleted cynomolgus monkeys.

Peptide analogues of angiotensinogen. Effect of peptide chain length on renin inhibition

Renin inhibition was evaluated for a series of peptide analogues of angiotensinogen with different chain lengths. Systematic deletion of amino acid residues from the hexapeptide BocPheHisLeuR-ValIleHisOCH3 showed that the presence of residues at the N-terminal Phe and His positions was essential for efficient enzyme-inhibitor binding whereas the C-terminal Ile and His residues were much less important. Synthesis of a tetrapeptide analogue shortened at the C-terminus and containing modified side chains produced a potent inhibitor of renin which demonstrated hypotensive activity in a salt depleted monkey.

[(Aminomethyl)arloxy]acetic acid esters. A new class of high-ceiling diuretics. 3. Variation in the bridge between the aromatic rings to complete mapping of the receptor

Continued structural evaluation of the [(aminomethyl)aryloxy]acetic ester diuretics has produced a series of compounds in which the functional group that bridges the two aromatic rings has been varied. Diuretic screening of these analogues in rats indicates that the keto group can be effectively replaced with an ether or thio ether function with a slight increase in potency, whereas the methylene and sulfoxide linking groups lead to diminished saluretic potency. Replacement with either -SO2-, -COCO-, -CH2O-, -CONH- or direct bond results in a loss of activity. Although the series was designed according to QSAR criteria, the traditional linear free-energy properties of these compounds do not correlate with diuretic potency. However, conformational analysis of the series by potential energy calculations indicates that all active compounds have an accessible conformation that matches the bridge atom-carboxylate distance of the very potent dihydrobenzofuran analogue 56. Conformational calculations of several compounds in which the aminomethyl group was varied suggests that the active conformation is probably a low-energy conformation. Consideration of rotation about the bridge could not distinguish between two possible orientations of the aminomethyl ring in the active conformation. However, there is a quantitative negative linear correlation between diuretic potency and the protrusion into space of the group that bridges the two aromatic rings.

[(Aminomethyl)aryloxy]acetic acid esters. A new class of high-ceiling diuretics. 2. Modifications of the oxyacetic side chain

The discovery of high-ceiling natriuretic activity from a series of aminomethyl derivatives of ethyl [2,3-dichloro-4-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)phenoxy]acetate prompted our continued investigation of this new class of (aryloxy)acetic acid diuretics. Systematic alteration of the oxyacetic side chain has shown that the carboxylic acid function is the active species in vivo and that the ethyl ester group serves as a prodrug to enhance oral absorption. Side-chain functional groups that are incapable of generating the carboxylic acid in vivo failed to impart diuretic activity to the target compounds. Additional side-chain modifications including homologation, methyl substitution, and heteroatom replacement are also described. Ring annelation of the oxyacetic side chain to a dihydrobenzofuran-2-carboxylic acid produced compound 32, which displayed the highest level of saluretic activity for this series.

Substituted 5,6-dihydrofuro[3,2-f]-1,2-benzisoxazole-6-carboxylic acids: high-ceiling diuretics with uricosuric activity

A series of substituted 5,6-dihydrofuro[3,2-f]-1,2-benzisoxazoles was prepared and evaluated for their saluretic and uricosuric properties. Pharmacological evaluation of the title compounds was carried out in mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys. The diuretic/saluretic nature of these compounds was observed in all species, whereas the uricosuric activity was best seen in the Cebus monkey. Evaluation of the enantiomers of 8-chloro-3-(o-fluorophenyl)-5,6-dihydrofuro [3,2-f]-1,2-benzisoxazole-6-carboxylic acid (15k) revealed that only the (+) enantiomer (29) displayed diuretic and saluretic activity, whereas both enantiomers possessed uricosuric activity. X-ray analysis showed that the (-) enantiomer (30) possesses the 2R configuration.