1,1-Diarylalkenes as anticancer agents: Dual inhibitors of tubulin polymerization and phosphodiesterase 4

A series of 1,1-diarylalkene derivatives were prepared to optimize the properties of CC-5079 (1), a dual inhibitor of tubulin polymerization and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). By using the 3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl PDE4 pharmacophore as one of the aromatic rings, a significant improvement in PDE4 inhibition was achieved. Compound 28 was identified as a dual inhibitor with potent PDE4 (IC50 = 54 nM) and antitubulin activity (HCT-116 IC50 = 34 nM and tubulin polymerization IC50 ∼1 μM). While the nitrile group at the alkene terminus was generally required for potent antiproliferative activity, its replacement was tolerated if there was a hydroxyl or amino group on one of the aryl rings. Conveniently, this group could also serve as a handle for amino acid derivatization to improve the compounds' solubility. The glycinamide analog 45 showed significant efficacy in the HCT-116 xenograft model, with 64% inhibition of tumor growth upon dosing at 20 mg/kg qd.