2,3-Dihydro-1-benzofuran derivatives as a series of potent selective cannabinoid receptor 2 agonists: design, synthesis, and binding mode prediction through ligand-steered modeling

ChemMedChem. 2009 Oct;4(10):1615-29. doi: 10.1002/cmdc.200900226.

Abstract

We recently discovered and reported a series of N-alkyl-isatin acylhydrazone derivatives that are potent cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB(2)) agonists. In an effort to improve the druglike properties of these compounds and to better understand and improve the treatment of neuropathic pain, we designed and synthesized a new series of 2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran derivatives bearing an asymmetric carbon atom that behave as potent selective CB(2) agonists. We used a multidisciplinary medicinal chemistry approach with binding mode prediction through ligand-steered modeling. Enantiomer separation and configuration assignment were carried out for the racemic mixture for the most selective compound, MDA7 (compound 18). It appeared that the S enantiomer, compound MDA104 (compound 33), was the active enantiomer. Compounds MDA42 (compound 19) and MDA39 (compound 30) were the most potent at CB(2). MDA42 was tested in a model of neuropathic pain and exhibited activity in the same range as that of MDA7. Preliminary ADMET studies for MDA7 were performed and did not reveal any problems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / chemical synthesis
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / chemistry*
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Benzofurans / chemical synthesis
  • Benzofurans / chemistry*
  • Benzofurans / pharmacology
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Hyperalgesia / drug therapy*
  • Ligands
  • Male
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / agonists*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Benzofurans
  • Ligands
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2
  • coumaran