1-Phenylsulfinyl-3-(pyridin-3-yl)naphthalen-2-ols: A new class of potent and selective aldosterone synthase inhibitors

1-Phenylsulfinyl-3-(pyridin-3-yl)naphthalen-2-ols and related compounds were synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2), a potential target for cardiovascular diseases associated with elevated plasma aldosterone levels like congestive heart failure and myocardial fibrosis. Introduction of substituents at the phenylsulfinyl moiety and changes of the substitution pattern at the naphthalene core were examined. Potent compounds were further examined for selectivity versus other important steroidogenic CYP enzymes, i.e. the highly homologous 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1), CYP17 and CYP19. The most potent compound (IC50 = 14 nM) discovered was the meta-trifluoromethoxy derivative 11, which also exhibited excellent selectivity toward CYP11B1 (SF = 415), and showed no inhibition of CYP17 and CYP19. [Display omitted] •Inhibition of aldosterone synthase is a superior treatment of cardiovascular diseases.•1-Phenylsulfinyl-3-(pyridin-3-yl)naphthalen-2-ols were synthesized and evaluated.•These compounds are potent aldosterone synthase inhibitors (IC50