Identification of 3-aminothieno[2,3-b]pyridine-2-carboxamides and 4-aminobenzothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as LIMK1 inhibitors

A high throughput chemical screening campaign has led to the identification of 3-aminobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamides as LIMK I inhibitors. Evolution of bicyclic hits to the tricyclic 4-aminobenzothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine, using a traditional medicinal chemistry SAR guided approach, resulted in a significant increase in potency. Further elaboration has seen the 7-phenyl-4-aminobenzothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine emerge as a LIMK I inhibitor lead candidate.