Discovery of Benzimidazole Oxazolidinediones as Novel and Selective Nonsteroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists

Elaboration of the oxazolidinedione series led to replacement of the exocyclic amides with substituted benzimidazoles. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) exploration resulted in the discovery of potent and selective nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists with significantly improved microsomal stability and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile relative to the HTS hit <b>1a</b>. One compound <b>2p</b> possessed comparable efficacy as spironolactone (SPL) at 100 mg/kg (p.o.) in the rat natriuresis model. As such, this series was validated as a lead series for further optimization

Discovery of Potent and Selective Dual Leucine Zipper Kinase/Leucine Zipper-Bearing Kinase Inhibitors with Neuroprotective Properties in In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and leucine zipper-bearing kinase (LZK) are regulators of neuronal degeneration and axon growth. Therefore, there is a considerable interest in developing DLK/LZK inhibitors for neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we use ligand- and structure-based drug design approaches for identifying novel amino-pyrazine inhibitors of DLK/LZK. DN-1289 (14), a potent and selective dual DLK/LZK inhibitor, demonstrated excellent in vivo plasma half-life across species and is anticipated to freely penetrate the central nervous system with no brain impairment based on in vivo rodent pharmacokinetic studies and human in vitro transporter data. Proximal target engagement and disease relevant pathway biomarkers were also favorably regulated in an in vivo model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Discovery of Potent and Selective Dual Leucine Zipper Kinase/Leucine Zipper-Bearing Kinase Inhibitors with Neuroprotective Properties in In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and leucine zipper-bearing kinase (LZK) are regulators of neuronal degeneration and axon growth. Therefore, there is a considerable interest in developing DLK/LZK inhibitors for neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we use ligand- and structure-based drug design approaches for identifying novel amino-pyrazine inhibitors of DLK/LZK. DN-1289 (14), a potent and selective dual DLK/LZK inhibitor, demonstrated excellent in vivo plasma half-life across species and is anticipated to freely penetrate the central nervous system with no brain impairment based on in vivo rodent pharmacokinetic studies and human in vitro transporter data. Proximal target engagement and disease relevant pathway biomarkers were also favorably regulated in an in vivo model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Discovery of a Potent and Selective ROMK Inhibitor with Pharmacokinetic Properties Suitable for Preclinical Evaluation

A new subseries of ROMK inhibitors exemplified by <b>28</b> has been developed from the initial screening hit <b>1</b>. The excellent selectivity for ROMK inhibition over related ion channels and pharmacokinetic properties across preclinical species support further preclinical evaluation of <b>28</b> as a new mechanism diuretic. Robust pharmacodynamic effects in both SD rats and dogs have been demonstrated