New class of azaheptapyridine FPT inhibitors as potential cancer therapy agents

Tertiary hydroxyl class of C-imidazole bridgehead azaheptapyridine FPT inhibitors were prepared in an attempt to block in vivo oxidation of secondary hydroxyl series. One representative compound 5a exhibited potent enzyme (IC50 = 1.4 nM) and cellular activities (soft agar IC50 = 1.3 nM) with excellent oral pharmacokinetic profiles in rats, mice, monkeys and dogs. The in vivo study in awp-ras TG mouse models showed dose dependent tumor growth inhibition and regression.