Designing Inhibitors of β-Lactamase Enzymes to Overcome Carbapenem Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria

CONSPECTUS: Ever since the first beta-lactam antibiotic, penicillin, was introduced into the clinic over 70 years ago, resistance has been observed because of the presence of beta-lactamase enzymes, which hydrolyze the beta-lactam ring of beta-lactam antibiotics. Early beta-lactamase enzymes were all of the serine beta-lactamase (SBL) type, but more recently, highly resistant Gram-negative strains have emerged in which metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) enzymes are responsible for resistance. The two types of beta-lactamase enzymes are structurally and mechanistically different but serve the same purpose in bacteria. The SBLs use an active serine group as a nucleophile to attack the beta-lactamase ring, forming a covalent intermediate that is subsequently hydrolyzed. In contrast, the MBLs use a zinc ion to activate the beta-lactam toward nucleophilic attack by a hydroxide anion held between two zinc ions. In this Account, we review our recent contribution to the field of beta-lactamase inhibitor design in terms of both SBL and MBL inhibitors. We describe how we have approached these challenges from the particular perspective of a small biotechnology company, identifying new inhibitors when faced with either a paucity of starting points for medicinal chemistry (MBL inhibitors) or else an abundance of prior research necessitating a search for novelty, improvement, and differentiation (SBL inhibitors). During the journey from the beginning of lead optimization to successful identification of a preclinical candidate for development, we encountered and solved a range of issues. For example, in the MBL inhibitor series we were able to prevent metabolic cleavage of a glycinamide moiety by circulating amidases while still retaining the activity by converting the amino group into a guanidine. In the SBL inhibitor series, the structure-activity relationship led us to consider introducing a fluorine substituent adjacent to a urea functionality. At first sight this grouping would appear to be chemically unstable. However, deeper theoretical considerations suggested that this would not be the case, and in practice the compound is remarkably stable. Both examples serve to illustrate the importance of scientific insight and the necessity to explore speculative hypotheses as part of the creative medicinal chemistry process.

Automated summary

This article discusses the role of beta-lactamase and metallo-beta-lactamase in antibiotic resistance, as well as the design and challenges of related inhibitors. Through the perspective of a small biotechnology company, the challenges of antibiotic resistance were addressed and new inhibitors were developed.