Structure-Activity Relationships for a Series of (Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)sulfinyl Alkyl Alicyclic Amines at the Dopamine Transporter: Functionalizing the Terminal Nitrogen Affects Affinity, Selectivity, and Metabolic Stability

J Med Chem. 2020 Mar 12;63(5):2343-2357. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01188. Epub 2019 Nov 14.

Abstract

Atypical dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors have shown therapeutic potential in preclinical models of psychostimulant abuse. In rats, 1-(4-(2-((bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)sulfinyl)ethyl)-piperazin-1-yl)-propan-2-ol (3b) was effective in reducing the reinforcing effects of both cocaine and methamphetamine but did not exhibit psychostimulant behaviors itself. While further development of 3b is ongoing, diastereomeric separation, as well as improvements in potency and pharmacokinetics were desirable for discovering pipeline drug candidates. Thus, a series of bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)sulfinyl)alkyl alicyclic amines, where the piperazine-2-propanol scaffold was modified, were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for binding affinities at DAT, as well as the serotonin transporter and σ1 receptors. Within the series, 14a showed improved DAT affinity (Ki = 23 nM) over 3b (Ki = 230 nM), moderate metabolic stability in human liver microsomes, and a hERG/DAT affinity ratio = 28. While 14a increased locomotor activity relative to vehicle, it was significantly lower than activity produced by cocaine. These results support further investigation of 14a as a potential treatment for psychostimulant use disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Amines / chemistry*
  • Amines / metabolism
  • Amines / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • Halogenation
  • Humans
  • Locomotion / drug effects
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Sulfur Compounds / chemistry
  • Sulfur Compounds / metabolism
  • Sulfur Compounds / pharmacology

Substances

  • Amines
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Sulfur Compounds