- An integrated in silico 3D model-driven discovery of a novel, potent, and selective amidosulfonamide 5-HT1A agonist (PRX-00023) for the treatment of anxiety and depression
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We report the discovery of a novel, potent, and selective amidosulfonamide nonazapirone 5-HT1A agonist for the treatment of anxiety and depression, which is now in Phase III clinical trials for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The discovery of 20m (PRX-00023), N-{3-[4-(4- cyclohexylmethanesulfonylaminobutyl)-piperazin-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide, and its backup compounds, followed a new paradigm, driving the entire discovery process with in silico methods and seamlessly integrating computational chemistry with medicinal chemistry, which led to a very rapid discovery timeline. The program reached clinical trials within less than 2 years from initiation, spending less than 6 months in lead optimization with only 31 compounds synthesized. In this paper we detail the entire discovery process, which started with modeling the 3D structure of 5-HT1A using the PREDICT methodology, and then performing in silico screening on that structure leading to the discovery of a 1 nM lead compound (8). The lead compound was optimized following a strategy devised based on in silico 3D models and realized through an in silico-driven optimization process, rapidly overcoming selectivity issues (affinity to 5-HT1A vs α1-adrenergic receptor) and potential cardiovascular issues (hERG binding), leading to a clinical compound. Finally we report key in vivo preclinical and Phase I clinical data for 20m tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics and show that these favorable results are a direct outcome of the properties that were ascribed to the compound during the rational structure-based discovery process. We believe that this is one of the first examples for a Phase III drug candidate that was discovered and optimized, from start to finish, using in silico model-based methods as the primary tool.
- Becker, Oren M.,Dhanoa, Dale S.,Marantz, Yael,Chen, Dongli,Shacham, Sharon,Cheruku, Srinivasa,Heifetz, Alexander,Mohanty, Pradyumna,Fichman, Merav,Sharadendu, Anurag,Nudelman, Raphael,Kauffman, Michael,Noiman, Silvia
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p. 3116 - 3135
(2007/10/03)
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- NEW ARYLPIPERAZINYL COMPOUNDS
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The invention relates to 5-HT receptor agonists or antagonists. Novel arylpiperazinyl sulfonamide compounds represented by formula (I), and synthesis and uses thereof for treating diseases including those mediated directly or indirectly by 5-HT receptors, are disclosed. Such conditions include central nervous system disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, ADD/ADHD, neural injury, stroke, and migraine. Methods of preparation and novel intermediates and pharmaceutical salts thereof are also included.
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