We report here structure-guided optimization of a novel series of NF-κB inducing kinase (NIK) inhibitors. Starting from a modestly potent, low molecular weight lead, activity was improved by designing a type 11/2 binding mode that accessed a back pocket past the methionine-471 gatekeeper. Divergent binding modes in NIK and PI3K were exploited to dampen PI3K inhibition while maintaining NIK inhibition within these series. Potent compounds were discovered that selectively inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-κB2 (p52/REL-B) but not canonical NF-κB1 (REL-A/p50).

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The synthesis, structure-activity relationship (SAR), and evolution of a novel series of oxadiazole-containing 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) inhibitors are described. The use of structure-guided drug design techniques provided compounds that demonstrated excellent FLAP binding potency (IC50 < 10 nM) and potent inhibition of LTB4 synthesis in human whole blood (IC50 < 100 nM). Optimization of binding and functional potencies, as well as physicochemical properties resulted in the identification of compound 69 (BI 665915) that demonstrated an excellent cross-species drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) profile and was predicted to have low human clearance. In addition, 69 was predicted to have a low risk for potential drug-drug interactions due to its cytochrome P450 3A4 profile. In a murine ex vivo whole blood study, 69 demonstrated a linear dose-exposure relationship and a dose-dependent inhibition of LTB4 production.

A range of seventeen quinoline alkaloids, involving several types of oxidations during their biosynthetic pathways, have been isolated from leaves of Choisya ternata. In addition to the nine known quinoline alkaloids, eight new members of the furoquinoline family, derived mainly from prenylation at C-5 (including two novel hydroperoxides), have been identified. The absolute configurations and enantiopurity values of all chiral quinoline alkaloids have been determined. One of the isolated alkaloids, 7-isopentenyloxy-gamma-fagarine, has been used as a precursor for the chemical asymmetric synthesis of the enantiopure alkaloids: evoxine, anhydroevoxine and evodine. The possible roles of oxygenase and other oxygen-atom-transfer enzymes, in the biosynthetic pathways of the C. ternata alkaloids, have been discussed.