Discovery of Aryl Sulfonamides as Isoform-Selective Inhibitors of Na_V1.7 with Efficacy in Rodent Pain Models

We report on a novel series of aryl sulfonamides that act as nanomolar potent, isoform-selective inhibitors of the human sodium channel hNa_V1.7. The optimization of these inhibitors is described. We aimed to improve potency against hNa_V1.7 while minimizing off-target safety concerns and generated compound <b>3</b>. This agent displayed significant analgesic effects in rodent models of acute and inflammatory pain and demonstrated that binding to the voltage sensor domain 4 site of Na_V1.7 leads to an analgesic effect <i>in vivo</i>. Our findings corroborate the importance of hNa_V1.7 as a drug target for the treatment of pain

Design of Conformationally Constrained Acyl Sulfonamide Isosteres: Identification of <i>N</i>‑([1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3‑<i>a</i>]pyridin-3-yl)methane-sulfonamides as Potent and Selective <i>h</i>Na_V1.7 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Pain

The sodium channel Na_V1.7 has emerged as a promising target for the treatment of pain based on strong genetic validation of its role in nociception. In recent years, a number of aryl and acyl sulfonamides have been reported as potent inhibitors of Na_V1.7, with high selectivity over the cardiac isoform Na_V1.5. Herein, we report on the discovery of a novel series of <i>N</i>-([1,2,4]­triazolo­[4,3-<i>a</i>]­pyridin-3-yl)­methanesulfonamides as selective Na_V1.7 inhibitors. Starting with the crystal structure of an acyl sulfonamide, we rationalized that cyclization to form a fused heterocycle would improve physicochemical properties, in particular lipophilicity. Our design strategy focused on optimization of potency for block of Na_V1.7 and human metabolic stability. Lead compounds <b>10</b>, <b>13</b> (GNE-131), and <b>25</b> showed excellent potency, good <i>in vitro</i> metabolic stability, and low <i>in vivo</i> clearance in mouse, rat, and dog. Compound <b>13</b> also displayed excellent efficacy in a transgenic mouse model of induced pain

Discovery of Clinical Candidate 1‑{[(2<i>S</i>,3<i>S</i>,4<i>S</i>)‑3-Ethyl-4-fluoro-5-oxopyrrolidin-2-yl]methoxy}-7-methoxyisoquinoline-6-carboxamide (PF-06650833), a Potent, Selective Inhibitor of Interleukin‑1 Receptor Associated Kinase 4 (IRAK4), by Fragment-Based Drug Design

Through fragment-based drug design focused on engaging the active site of IRAK4 and leveraging three-dimensional topology in a ligand-efficient manner, a micromolar hit identified from a screen of a Pfizer fragment library was optimized to afford IRAK4 inhibitors with nanomolar potency in cellular assays. The medicinal chemistry effort featured the judicious placement of lipophilicity, informed by co-crystal structures with IRAK4 and optimization of ADME properties to deliver clinical candidate PF-06650833 (compound <b>40</b>). This compound displays a 5-unit increase in lipophilic efficiency from the fragment hit, excellent kinase selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties suitable for oral administration

Design of Conformationally Constrained Acyl Sulfonamide Isosteres: Identification of <i>N</i>‑([1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3‑<i>a</i>]pyridin-3-yl)methane-sulfonamides as Potent and Selective <i>h</i>Na_V1.7 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Pain

The sodium channel Na_V1.7 has emerged as a promising target for the treatment of pain based on strong genetic validation of its role in nociception. In recent years, a number of aryl and acyl sulfonamides have been reported as potent inhibitors of Na_V1.7, with high selectivity over the cardiac isoform Na_V1.5. Herein, we report on the discovery of a novel series of <i>N</i>-([1,2,4]­triazolo­[4,3-<i>a</i>]­pyridin-3-yl)­methanesulfonamides as selective Na_V1.7 inhibitors. Starting with the crystal structure of an acyl sulfonamide, we rationalized that cyclization to form a fused heterocycle would improve physicochemical properties, in particular lipophilicity. Our design strategy focused on optimization of potency for block of Na_V1.7 and human metabolic stability. Lead compounds <b>10</b>, <b>13</b> (GNE-131), and <b>25</b> showed excellent potency, good <i>in vitro</i> metabolic stability, and low <i>in vivo</i> clearance in mouse, rat, and dog. Compound <b>13</b> also displayed excellent efficacy in a transgenic mouse model of induced pain

Design of Conformationally Constrained Acyl Sulfonamide Isosteres: Identification of <i>N</i>‑([1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3‑<i>a</i>]pyridin-3-yl)methane-sulfonamides as Potent and Selective <i>h</i>Na_V1.7 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Pain

The sodium channel Na_V1.7 has emerged as a promising target for the treatment of pain based on strong genetic validation of its role in nociception. In recent years, a number of aryl and acyl sulfonamides have been reported as potent inhibitors of Na_V1.7, with high selectivity over the cardiac isoform Na_V1.5. Herein, we report on the discovery of a novel series of <i>N</i>-([1,2,4]­triazolo­[4,3-<i>a</i>]­pyridin-3-yl)­methanesulfonamides as selective Na_V1.7 inhibitors. Starting with the crystal structure of an acyl sulfonamide, we rationalized that cyclization to form a fused heterocycle would improve physicochemical properties, in particular lipophilicity. Our design strategy focused on optimization of potency for block of Na_V1.7 and human metabolic stability. Lead compounds <b>10</b>, <b>13</b> (GNE-131), and <b>25</b> showed excellent potency, good <i>in vitro</i> metabolic stability, and low <i>in vivo</i> clearance in mouse, rat, and dog. Compound <b>13</b> also displayed excellent efficacy in a transgenic mouse model of induced pain