Novel S1P1 receptor agonists - Part 5: From amino-to alkoxy-pyridines

In a previous communication we reported on the discovery of aminopyridine 1 as a potent, selective and orally active S1P(1) receptor agonist. More detailed studies revealed that this compound is phototoxic in vitro. As a result of efforts aiming at eliminating this undesired property, a series of alkoxy substituted pyridine derivatives was discovered. The photo irritancy factor (PIF) of these alkoxy pyridines was significantly lower than the one of aminopyridine 1 and most compounds were not phototoxic. Focused SAR studies showed, that 2-, 3-, and 4-pyridine derivatives delivered highly potent S1P(1) receptor agonists. While the 2-pyridines were clearly more selective against S1PR(3), the corresponding 3- or 4 pyridine analogues showed significantly longer oral half-lives and as a consequence longer pharmacological duration of action after oral administration. One of the best compounds, cyclopentoxy-pyridine 45b lacked phototoxicity, showed EC50 values of 0.7 and 140 nM on S1PR(1) and S1PR(3), respectively, and maximally reduced the blood lymphocyte count for at least 24 h after oral administration of 10 mg/kg to Wistar rats. (C) 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.