Identification of an Orally Bioavailable, Brain-Penetrant Compound with Selectivity for the Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor

Creator(s)

Meirambek Ospanov, The University of Mississippi
Suresh P. Sulochana, University of Mississippi
Jason J. Paris, University of Mississippi
John M. Rimoldi, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
Nicole Ashpole, University of Mississippi
Larry Walker, The University of Mississippi
Samir A. Ross, The University of Mississippi,
Abbas G. Shilabin, East Tennessee State UniversityFollow
Mohamed A. Ibrahim, The University of Mississippi

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-14-2022

Description

Modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is of great interest for its therapeutic relevance in several pathophysiological processes. The CB2 subtype is largely localized to immune effectors, including microglia within the central nervous system, where it promotes anti-inflammation. Recently, a rational drug design toward precise modulation of the CB2 active site revealed the novelty of Pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines tricyclic chemotype with a high conformational similarity in comparison to the existing leads. These compounds are structurally unique, confirming their chemotype novelty. In our continuing search for new chemotypes as selective CB2 regulatory molecules, following SAR approaches, a total of 17 selected (S,E)-11-[2-(arylmethylene)hydrazono]-PBD analogs were synthesized and tested for their ability to bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptor orthosteric sites. A competitive [H]CP-55,940 binding screen revealed five compounds that exhibited >60% displacement at 10 μM concentration. Further concentration-response analysis revealed two compounds, and , as potent and selective CB2 ligands with sub-micromolar activities ( = 146 nM and 137 nM, respectively). In order to support the potential efficacy and safety of the analogs, the oral and intravenous pharmacokinetic properties of compound were sought. Compound was orally bioavailable, reaching maximum brain concentrations of 602 ± 162 ng/g (p.o.) with an elimination half-life of 22.9 ± 3.73 h. Whether administered via the oral or intravenous route, the elimination half-lives ranged between 9.3 and 16.7 h in the liver and kidneys. These compounds represent novel chemotypes, which can be further optimized for improved affinity and selectivity toward the CB2 receptor.

Citation Information

Ospanov, Meirambek; Sulochana, Suresh P.; Paris, Jason J.; Rimoldi, John M.; Ashpole, Nicole; Walker, Larry; Ross, Samir A.; Shilabin, Abbas G.; and Ibrahim, Mohamed A., "Identification of an Orally Bioavailable, Brain-Penetrant Compound with Selectivity for the Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor" (2022). ETSU Faculty Works. 66.
https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works-2/66