Discovery of a novel series of benzoic acid derivatives as potent and selective human β3 adrenergic receptor agonists with good oral bioavailability.: 3.: Phenylethanolaminotetraline (PEAT) skeleton containing biphenyl or biphenyl ether moiety

We designed a series of benzoic acid derivatives containing the biphenyl ether or biphenyl template on the RHS and a phenylethanolaminotetraline (PEAT) skeleton, which was prepared by highly stereoselective synthesis, to generate two structurally different lead compounds (10c, 10m) with a good balance of potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic profile. Further optimization of the two lead compounds to improve potency led to several potential candidates (i.e., 11f, 11l, 11o, 12b). In particular, biphenyl analogue 12b exhibited an excellent balance of high potency (EC(50) = 0.38 nM) for beta(3), high selectivity over beta(1) and beta(2), and good pharmacokinetic properties in rats, dogs, and monkeys.