Discovery and optimisation of potent and highly subtype selective Nav1.8 inhibitors with reduced cardiovascular liabilities

Voltage-gated sodium channels, in particular Nav1.8, can be targeted for the treatment of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Herein, we describe the discovery and optimisation of a Nav1.8 inhibiting phenyl imidazole series that delivers chemical equity that possesses high potency and selectivity and is capable of demonstrating good oral pharmacokinetics.