1-amino-4-benzylphthalazines as orally bioavailable smoothened antagonists with antitumor activity

J Med Chem. 2009 Jul 9;52(13):3954-68. doi: 10.1021/jm900309j.

Abstract

Abnormal activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been linked to several types of human cancers, and the development of small-molecule inhibitors of this pathway represents a promising route toward novel anticancer therapeutics. A cell-based screen performed in our laboratories identified a new class of Hh pathway inhibitors, 1-amino-4-benzylphthalazines, that act via antagonism of the Smoothened receptor. A variety of analogues were synthesized and their structure-activity relationships determined. This optimization resulted in the discovery of high affinity Smoothened antagonists, one of which was further profiled in vivo. This compound displayed a good pharmacokinetic profile and also afforded tumor regression in a genetic mouse model of medulloblastoma.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hedgehog Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Medulloblastoma / drug therapy
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Phthalazines / chemistry
  • Phthalazines / pharmacokinetics*
  • Phthalazines / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Smoothened Receptor
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Phthalazines
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • SMO protein, human
  • Smo protein, mouse
  • Smoothened Receptor