New N -phenyl-4,5-dibromopyrrolamides as DNA gyrase B inhibitors

Due to the rapid development of antimicrobial resistance, the discovery of new antibacterials is essential in the fight against potentially lethal infections. The DNA gyrase B (GyrB) subunit of bacterial DNA gyrase is an excellent target for the design of antibacterials, as it has been clinically validated by novobiocin. However, there are currently no drugs in clinical use that target GyrB. We prepared a new series of -phenyl-4,5-dibromopyrrolamides and evaluated them against DNA gyrase and against the structurally and functionally similar enzyme, topoisomerase IV. The most active compound, , had an IC of 20 nM against DNA gyrase. The IC values of against DNA gyrase, and and topoisomerase IV were in the low micromolar range. However, the compounds evaluated did not show significant antibacterial activities against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Our results indicate that for potent inhibition of DNA gyrase, a combination of polar groups on the carboxylic end of the molecule and substituents that reach into the 'lipophilic floor' of the enzyme is required.