Discovery of Potent, Orally Bioavailable Phthalazinone Bradykinin B1 Receptor Antagonists

The bradykinin B1 receptor is rapidly induced upon tissue injury and inflammation, stimulating the production of inflammatory mediators resulting in plasma extravasation, leukocyte trafficking, edema, and pain. We have previously reported on sulfonamide and sulfone-based B1 antagonists containing a privileged bicyclic amine moiety leading to potent series of 2-oxopiperazines. The suboptimal pharmacokinetics and physicochemical properties of the oxopiperazine sulfonamides led us to seek B1 antagonists with improved druglike properties. Using a pharmacophore model containing a bicyclic amine as anchor, we designed a series of amide antagonists with targeted physicochemical properties. This approach led to a novel series of potent phthalazinone B1 antagonists, where we successfully replaced a sulfonamide acceptor with a cyclic carbonyl unit. SAR studies revealed compounds with subnanomolar B1 binding affinity. These compounds demonstrate excellent cross-species PK properties with high oral bioavailability and potent activity in a rabbit biochemical challenge pharmacodynamic study.