Discovery of Novel Pyrazole-Based Selective Aldosterone Synthase (CYP11B2) Inhibitors: A New Template to Coordinate the Heme-Iron Motif of CYP11B2

J Med Chem. 2018 Jul 12;61(13):5594-5608. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00328. Epub 2018 Jun 22.

Abstract

It is necessary for aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) inhibitors to have both high potency and high selectivity over 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1), a critical enzyme for cortisol synthesis. Previous studies have reported a number of CYP11B2 inhibitors, most of which have an imidazole or pyridine ring to coordinate the heme-iron motif of CYP11B2; however, highly selective inhibitors of human CYP11B2 are still needed. To expand the selectivity in humans, we explored alternative templates and found that pyrazoles were suitable templates for CYP11B2 inhibitors. Investigation of pyrazoles, especially N-alkyl pyrazoles, as a new template to coordinate the heme-iron motif led to a potent and highly selective CYP11B2 inhibitor 28 with an aldosterone-lowering effect at 1 mg/kg dosing in cynomolgus monkeys.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP11B2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP11B2 / chemistry
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP11B2 / metabolism
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Heme*
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Iron*
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Pyrazoles / chemistry*
  • Pyrazoles / metabolism
  • Pyrazoles / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Pyrazoles
  • Heme
  • Iron
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP11B2