A novel series of prostaglandin analogues with a seven-membered ring scaffold was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for the functional activation of prostaglandin receptors to identify potent and subtype-selective FP and EP3 dual agonists. Starting from the prostacyclin derivative 5b, a nonselective agonist for prostaglandin receptors, replacement of the core structure with an octahydro-2H-cyclopenta[b]oxepine scaffold led to the discovery of the potent and selective FP and EP3 dual agonist 11b as a lead compound for the development of an antiglaucoma agent.
Keywords: EP3 receptor; FP receptor; GPCR; Prostaglandin; dual agonist; glaucoma.