Design and Synthesis of 13,14-Dihydro Prostaglandin F1α Analogues as Potent and Selective Ligands for the Human FP Receptor

The in vitro evaluation of a new class of potential bone anabolic agents for the treatment of osteoporosis is described. These compounds are potent and selective ligands for the human prostaglandin F receptor (hFP receptor). The compounds lack the olefin unsaturation required for potency in the natural ligand PGF2 α yet retain binding affinity for the hFP receptor in the nanomolar to micromolar range. Removal of the alkenes also results in a better selectivity ratio for the hFP receptor over the other prostaglandin receptors tested. A rationale for the selectivity differences of various analogues, based on ligand docking experiments to a putative hFP receptor model, is also described.