Discovery of Novel 11-Membered Templates as Squalene Synthase Inhibitors

J Med Chem. 2024 Apr 11;67(7):5305-5314. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01500. Epub 2024 Mar 22.

Abstract

Squalene synthase is one of the most promising pharmaceutical targets to treat hyperlipidemia. Inhibition of the squalene synthase causes a decrease in the hepatic cholesterol concentration. We have already reported the design and synthesis of highly potent benzhydrol-type squalene inhibitors. Although these templates showed unique and potent cyclic active conformations via intramolecular hydrogen bonds, the in vivo cholesterol-lowering efficacy was insufficient. We attempted to improve their potential as an orally active medicine. In our medicinal chemistry effort, cyclized 11-membered ring templates were acquired. The novel series of compounds exhibited potent squalene synthase inhibitory activity, and one of the derivatives, isomer A-(1S, 3R)-14i, showed plasma lipid-lowering efficacy in hamster and marmoset repeated-dose studies. Our findings provide valuable insights into the design and development of novel and unique 11-membered ring-type highly potent squalene synthase inhibitors.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticholesteremic Agents* / chemistry
  • Cholesterol
  • Cricetinae
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase
  • Liver

Substances

  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Cholesterol