Journal : J Med Chem
Title : 4-Methyl-6,7-dihydro-4H-triazolo[4,5-c]pyridine-Based P2X7 Receptor Antagonists: Optimization of Pharmacokinetic Properties Leading to the Identification of a Clinical Candidate.
Year : 2017
Volume : 60
Issue : 11
First Page : 4559
Last Page : 4572
Authors : Letavic MA, Savall BM, Allison BD, Aluisio L, Andres JI, De Angelis M, Ao H, Beauchamp DA, Bonaventure P, Bryant S, Carruthers NI, Ceusters M, Coe KJ, Dvorak CA, Fraser IC, Gelin CF, Koudriakova T, Liang J, Lord B, Lovenberg TW, Otieno MA, Schoetens F, Swanson DM, Wang Q, Wickenden AD, Bhattacharya A.
Abstract : The synthesis and preclinical characterization of novel 4-(R)-methyl-6,7-dihydro-4H-triazolo[4,5-c]pyridines that are potent and selective brain penetrant P2X7 antagonists are described. Optimization efforts based on previously disclosed unsubstituted 6,7-dihydro-4H-triazolo[4,5-c]pyridines, methyl substituted 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazines, and several other series lead to the identification of a series of 4-(R)-methyl-6,7-dihydro-4H-triazolo[4,5-c]pyridines that are selective P2X7 antagonists with potency at the rodent and human P2X7 ion channels. These novel P2X7 antagonists have suitable physicochemical properties, and several analogs have an excellent pharmacokinetic profile, good partitioning into the CNS and show robust in vivo target engagement after oral dosing. Improvements in metabolic stability led to the identification of JNJ-54175446 (14) as a candidate for clinical development. The drug discovery efforts and strategies that resulted in the identification of the clinical candidate are described herein.
