Structure-guided lead optimization of triazolopyrimidine-ring substituents identifies potent plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors with clinical candidate potential

Jose M. Coteron, María Marco, Jorge Esquivias, Xiaoyi Deng, Karen L. White, John White, Maria Koltun, Farah El Mazouni, Sreekanth Kokkonda, Kasiram Katneni, Ravi Bhamidipati, David M. Shackleford, Iñigo Angulo-Barturen, Santiago B. Ferrer, María Belén Jiménez-Díaz, Francisco Javier Gamo, Elizabeth J. Goldsmith, William N. Charman, Ian Bathurst, David FloydDavid Matthews, Jeremy N. Burrows, Pradipsinh K. Rathod, Susan A. Charman, Margaret A. Phillips

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

246 Scopus citations

Abstract

Drug therapy is the mainstay of antimalarial therapy, yet current drugs are threatened by the development of resistance. In an effort to identify new potential antimalarials, we have undertaken a lead optimization program around our previously identified triazolopyrimidine-based series of Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) inhibitors. The X-ray structure of PfDHODH was used to inform the medicinal chemistry program allowing the identification of a potent and selective inhibitor (DSM265) that acts through DHODH inhibition to kill both sensitive and drug resistant strains of the parasite. This compound has similar potency to chloroquine in the humanized SCID mouse P. falciparum model, can be synthesized by a simple route, and rodent pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated it has excellent oral bioavailability, a long half-life and low clearance. These studies have identified the first candidate in the triazolopyrimidine series to meet previously established progression criteria for efficacy and ADME properties, justifying further development of this compound toward clinical candidate status.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5540-5561
Number of pages22
JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry
Volume54
Issue number15
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 11 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Drug Discovery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Structure-guided lead optimization of triazolopyrimidine-ring substituents identifies potent plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors with clinical candidate potential'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this