Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of a novel series of isoquinoline CRTH2 antagonists bearing a methylene linker between the isoquinoline and benzamide moieties were described. Optimization focusing on the substituents of the benzamide portion in the right hand part of the molecule led to the identification of TASP0412098 (9l), which is a potent, selective CRTH2 antagonist (binding affinity: IC 50 2.1 nM, functional activity: IC 50 12 nM). Compound 9l, which was orally bioavailable in mice and guinea pigs, showed in vivo efficacy after oral administration in a bronchial asthma model of guinea pigs.Key words CRTH2 antagonist; allergic diseases; isoquinoline; prostaglandin D2The chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) was reported in 2001 as a G protein-coupled receptor for prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). CRTH2 is expressed on eosinophils, basophils, and Th2 cells, and plays an important role in allergic diseases, driving the immunoglobulin E (IgE) response, eosinophilia, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines.1-3) Activation of CRTH2 promotes the release of histamine from basophils and degranulation of eosinophiles.4-6) Thus, a CRTH2 antagonist might be beneficial for a variety of inflammatory diseases. 7,8) Research designed to identify selective CRTH2 antagonists dramatically increased after the discovery that the thromboxane receptor antagonist, ramatroban, which is approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, and the anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin, were found to be CRTH2 antagonists. A large number of structure-activity relationship (SAR) information around the indoleacetic acids have been disclosed.In our previous paper, we reported that the lead generation process and initial SAR study of a novel isoquinoline chemotype of CRTH2 antagonists, led to the identification of compound 1 (binding affinity: IC 50 =19 nM, functional activity: IC 50 =13 nM) as a potent and selective CRTH2 antagonist. 9,10) In our continuous research focused on identifying an alternative lead class, we took particular note of the carbonyl linker of 1, because the modification of this linker would impact the physicochemical properties of 1. We designed novel CRTH2 antagonists bearing a methylene linker in place of the carbonyl linker, expecting to change the biological profile of this chemotype by changing its physicochemical properties. In the present study, we described the synthesis and SAR of isoquinoline CRTH2 antagonists containing a methylene linker, and the preliminary pharmacokinetic and pharmacological profiles of the potent, selective, and orally active CRTH2 antagonist 9l, which is the most potent compound of this class.Chemistry Preparation of isoquinoline derivatives 9a-9u is outlined in Chart 1. The ylide 3, derived from commercially available benzyl bromide 2, was treated with methyl 1-chloroisoquinoline-4-carboxylate in the presence of sodium hexamethyldisilazane, followed by hydrolysis, to give 4 in 58% yield.11) The carboxylic acid 5, prepared by the basic hydro...