News

Design of selective COX-2 inhibitors

Dates

on the November 12, 2018

Collaborative research project led by Prof. Routier (ICOA, UMR CNRS 7311, University of Orleans, Orleans, France) to which M. Rudy Bidault, Mme Sylvie Bodard, Drs. Nicolas Arlicot, Johnny Vercouillie, Sylvie Chalon and Profs Denis Guilloteau et Patrick Emond participated.

Design of selective COX-2 inhibitors in the (aza)indazole series. Chemistry, in vitro studies, radiochemistry and evaluations in rats of a [18F] PET tracer

Abstract

A series of novel derivatives exhibiting high affinity and selectivity towards the COX-2 enzyme in the (aza) indazole series was developed. A short synthetic route involving a bromination/arylation sequence under microwave irradiation and direct C-H activation were established in the indazole and azaindazole series respectively. In vitro assays were conducted and structural modifications were carried out on these scaffolds to furnish compound 16 which exhibited effective COX-2 inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 0.409 µM and an excellent selectivity versus COX-1. Radiolabeling of this most potent derivative [18F]16 was achieved after boron ester release and the tracer was evaluated in vivo in a rat model of neuroinflammation. All chemistry, radiochemistry and biological experimental data are discussed.

Keywords

(Aza)indazoles; Cyclooxygenase; NSAID; PET; boronic ester; neuroinflammation; radiolabeling.

Contact :
Dr. Nicolas Arlicot :