Optimization of the benzamide fragment targeting the S2′ site leads to potent dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors

Our recently successful identification of benzoic acid-based DPP-4 inhibitors spurs the further quest for in-depth structure-activity relationships (SAR) study in S-2' site DPP-4. Thus novel benzamide fragments were designed to target the S-2' site to compromise lipophilicity and improve oral activity. Exploring SAR by introduction of a variety of amide and halogen on benzene ring led to identification of several compounds, exerting moderated to excellent DPP-4 activities, in which 4'-chlorine substituted methyl amide 17 g showed most potent DPP-4 activity with the IC50 value of 1.6 nM. Its activity was superior to reference alogliptin. Docking study ideally verified and interpreted the obtained SAR of designed compounds. As a continuation, DPP-8/9 assays revealed the designed compounds exhibited good selectivity over DPP-8 and DPP-9. Subsequent cell-based test indicated compound 17g displayed low toxicity toward the LO2 cell line up to 100 mu M. In vivo evaluation showed compound 17g robustly improved the glucose tolerance in normal mice. Importantly, 17g exhibited reasonable pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles for oral delivery. Overall, compound 17g has the potential to a safe and efficacious DPP-4 inhibitor for T2DM treatment.