Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of N-(4-amino-2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-N′-(1,4-diarylpiperidine-4-yl)methylureas as anti-hyperlipidemic agents

Based on 1,4-diarylpiperidine-4-methylureas, a new class of ACAT inhibitors, we examined in the study the SAR of a series of compounds prepared by replacing the substituent at the three aromatic parts. Introduction of long alkoxy group onto the phenyl moiety at the B-part was effective in improving both the inhibitory activity for ACAT and the up-regulatory activity for LDL-R expression. Particularly, 3-hydroxy-propoxy group (43) on the phenyl moiety of B-part led to improved solubility, while keeping both biological activities. Compound 43 inhibited ACAT activity with an IC(50) value of 18 nM, which is superior to that of a known ACAT inhibitor, CI-1011. In addition, compound 43 revealed an LDL-R up-regulatory activity comparable to that of SMP-797. We therefore expect this compound to be a novel ACAT inhibitor. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.