Second-Generation Dual FXR/sEH Modulators with Optimized Pharmacokinetics

J Med Chem. 2021 Jul 8;64(13):9525-9536. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00831. Epub 2021 Jun 24.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) presents as an epidemic chronic liver disease that is closely associated with metabolic disorders and involves hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis as key factors. Despite the enormous global prevalence of NASH, effective pharmacological interventions are lacking. Based on the hypothesis that the multifactorial condition NASH may benefit from combined multiple modes of action for enhanced therapeutic efficacy, we have previously developed dual FXR activators/sEH inhibitors (FXRa/sEHi) and observed remarkable antifibrotic effects upon their use in rodent NASH models. However, these first-generation FXRa/sEHi were characterized by moderate metabolic stability and short in vivo half-life. Aiming to overcome these pharmacokinetic drawbacks, we have systematically studied the structure-activity and structure-stability relationships of the chemotype and obtained second-generation FXRa/sEHi with improved pharmacokinetic parameters. With high plasma exposure, a half-life greater than 5 h, and similar dual potency on the intended targets, 13 presents as a substantially optimized FXRa/sEHi for late-stage preclinical development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzamides / chemical synthesis
  • Benzamides / chemistry
  • Benzamides / pharmacology*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemical synthesis
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Epoxide Hydrolases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Epoxide Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Microsomes, Liver / chemistry
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism
  • Molecular Structure
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / genetics
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Benzamides
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • farnesoid X-activated receptor
  • Epoxide Hydrolases