Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation of a Novel Series of Pyridopyrazine-1,6-dione γ-Secretase Modulators

Herein we describe the design and synthesis of a novel series of gamma-secretase modulators (GSMs) that incorporates a pyridopiperazine-1,6-dione ring system. To align improved potency with favorable ADME and in vitro safety, we applied prospective physicochemical property-driven design coupled with parallel medicinal chemistry techniques to arrive at a novel series containing a conformationally restricted core. Lead compound 51 exhibited good in vitro potency and ADME, which translated into a favorable in vivo pharmacokinetic profile. Furthermore, robust reduction of brain A beta 42 was observed in guinea pig at 30 mg/kg dosed orally. Through chemical biology efforts involving the design and synthesis of a clickable photoreactive probe, we demonstrated specific labeling of the presenilin N-terminal fragment (PS1-NTF) within the gamma-secretase complex, thus gaining insight into the binding site of this series of GSMs.