10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00479
The study focuses on the development of IWP-051, a potent and orally bioavailable stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). sGC is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, such as smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation, via the NO-sGC-cGMP signaling pathway. Impairment of this pathway is linked to cardiovascular and other diseases. The researchers designed and synthesized a series of 4-hydroxypyrimidine sGC stimulators, starting with an internally discovered lead compound. Through structural modifications, they identified IWP-051, which demonstrated good potency, stability, selectivity, and pharmacodynamic effects, along with favorable pharmacokinetic properties suitable for once-daily dosing. Key chemicals involved include the lead compound 1, which showed off-target activity and a short half-life, and various analogs such as 5, 11, and others, which were synthesized to improve potency and pharmacokinetic profiles. IWP-051 exhibited minimal off-target liabilities, high protein binding, low clearance, and a long half-life across species, making it a promising candidate for sustained sGC stimulation in preclinical disease models.