Blocking Alcoholic Steatosis in Mice with a Peripherally Restricted Purine Antagonist of the Type 1 Cannabinoid Receptor

J Med Chem. 2018 May 24;61(10):4370-4385. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01820. Epub 2018 May 10.

Abstract

Type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonists have demonstrated promise for the treatment of obesity, liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidemias. However, the inhibition of CB1 receptors in the central nervous system can produce adverse effects, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Efforts are now underway to produce peripherally restricted CB1 antagonists to circumvent CNS-associated undesirable effects. In this study, a series of analogues were explored in which the 4-aminopiperidine group of compound 2 was replaced with aryl- and heteroaryl-substituted piperazine groups both with and without a spacer. This resulted in mildly basic, potent antagonists of human CB1 (hCB1). The 2-chlorobenzyl piperazine, 25, was found to be potent ( Ki = 8 nM); to be >1000-fold selective for hCB1 over hCB2; to have no hERG liability; and to possess favorable ADME properties including high oral absorption and negligible CNS penetration. Compound 25 was tested in a mouse model of alcohol-induced liver steatosis and found to be efficacious. Taken together, 25 represents an exciting lead compound for further clinical development or refinement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Alcohols / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists / pharmacokinetics
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Fatty Liver / chemically induced
  • Fatty Liver / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Protein Conformation
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Alcohols
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1