CRTH2 antagonist MK-7246: a synthetic evolution from discovery through development

J Org Chem. 2012 Mar 2;77(5):2299-309. doi: 10.1021/jo202620r. Epub 2012 Feb 15.

Abstract

In this paper, we report the development of different synthetic routes to MK-7246 (1) designed by the Process Chemistry group. The syntheses were initially designed as an enabling tool for Medicinal Chemistry colleagues in order to rapidly explore structure-activity relationships (SAR) and to procure the first milligrams of diverse target molecules for in vitro evaluation. The initial aziridine opening/cyclodehydration strategy was also directly amenable to the first GMP deliveries of MK-7246 (1), streamlining the transition from milligram to kilogram-scale production needed to support early preclinical and clinical evaluation of this compound. Subsequently a more scalable and cost-effective manufacturing route to MK-7246 (1) was engineered. Highlights of the manufacturing route include an Ir-catalyzed intramolecular N-H insertion of sulfoxonium ylide 41 and conversion of ketone 32 to amine 31 in a single step with excellent enantioselectivity through a transaminase process. Reactions such as these illustrate the enabling impact and efficiency gains that innovative developments in chemo- and biocatalysis can have on the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant target molecules.

MeSH terms

  • Carbolines / chemical synthesis
  • Carbolines / chemistry
  • Carbolines / pharmacology*
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Receptors, Immunologic / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • ((7R)-7-(((4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl)(methyl)amino)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrido(1,2-a)indol-10-yl)acetic acid
  • Carbolines
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin
  • prostaglandin D2 receptor