Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of 1-Phenyl-3-Thiophenylurea Derivatives as Cannabinoid Type-1 Receptor Allosteric Modulators

J Med Chem. 2019 Nov 14;62(21):9806-9823. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01161. Epub 2019 Oct 24.

Abstract

We previously reported diarylurea derivatives as cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) allosteric modulators, which were effective in attenuating cocaine-seeking behavior. Herein, we extended the structure-activity relationships of PSNCBAM-1 (2) at the central phenyl ring directly connected to the urea moiety. Replacement with a thiophene ring led to 11 with improved or comparable potencies in calcium mobilization, [35S]GTPγS binding, and cAMP assays, whereas substitution with nonaromatic rings led to significant attenuation of the modulatory activity. These compounds had no inverse agonism in [35S]GTPγS binding, a characteristic that is often thought to contribute to adverse psychiatric effects. While 11 had good metabolic stability in rat liver microsomes, it showed modest solubility and blood-brain barrier permeability. Compound 11 showed an insignificant attenuation of cocaine seeking behavior in rats, most likely due to its limited CNS penetration, suggesting that pharmacokinetics and distribution play a role in translating the in vitro efficacy to in vivo behavior.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Allosteric Regulation / drug effects
  • Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Phenylurea Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Phenylurea Compounds / chemistry
  • Phenylurea Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / chemistry
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / metabolism*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Phenylurea Compounds
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Cyclic AMP