10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.02.021
This study investigates the development of small molecule thienopyrimidine inhibitors of Notum Pectinacetylesterase as potential treatments for osteoporosis. The researchers explored two series of compounds: 2-((5,6-thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)thio)acetic acids and 2-((6,7-thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)thio)acetic acids. These compounds were identified as potent inhibitors of Notum Pectinacetylesterase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in bone formation by inactivating the WNT signaling pathway. The study involved extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis to optimize the potency and pharmacokinetic properties of the compounds. The most promising compounds, such as 2-((6-chloro-7-cyclopropylthieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)thio)acetic acid (44), demonstrated significant increases in midshaft femur cortical bone thickness in mice when administered orally, highlighting their potential as effective anabolic agents for treating osteoporosis.