Discovery of the Triazolo[1,5- a]Pyrimidine-Based Derivative WS-898 as a Highly Efficacious and Orally Bioavailable ABCB1 Inhibitor Capable of Overcoming Multidrug Resistance

J Med Chem. 2021 Nov 11;64(21):16187-16204. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01498. Epub 2021 Nov 1.

Abstract

Targeting P-glycoprotein (ABCB1 or P-gp) has been recognized as a promising strategy to overcome multidrug resistance. Here, we reported our medicinal chemistry efforts that led to the discovery of the triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivative WS-898 as a highly effective ABCB1 inhibitor capable of reversing paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in drug-resistant SW620/Ad300, KB-C2, and HEK293/ABCB1 cells (IC50 = 5.0, 3.67, and 3.68 nM, respectively), more potent than verapamil and zosuquidar. WS-898 inhibited the efflux function of ABCB1, thus leading to decreased efflux and increased intracellular PTX concentration in SW620/Ad300 cells. The cellular thermal shift assay indicated direct engagement of WS-898 to ABCB1. Furthermore, WS-898 stimulated the ATPase activity of ABCB1 but had minimal effects on cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Importantly, WS-898 increased PTX sensitization in vivo without obvious toxicity. The results suggest that WS-898 is a highly effective triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-based ABCB1 inhibitor and shows promise in reversing ABCB1-mediated PTX resistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Administration, Oral
  • Biological Availability
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple / drug effects*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Pyrimidines / chemistry*
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacokinetics
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Triazoles / chemistry*
  • Triazoles / pharmacokinetics
  • Triazoles / pharmacology

Substances

  • ABCB1 protein, human
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B
  • Pyrimidines
  • Triazoles