Synthesis and investigations of double-pharmacophore ligands for treatment of chronic and neuropathic pain

Acids 9a–f as possible bivalent ligands designed as a structural combination of opioid μ-agonist (Fentanyl) and NSAID (Indomethacin) activities and produced compounds which were tested as analgesics. The obtained series of compounds exhibits low affinity and activity both at opioid receptors and as cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors. One explanation of the weak opioid activity could be stereochemical peculiarities of these bivalent compounds which differ significantly from the fentanyl skeleton. The absence of significant COX inhibitory properties could be explained by the required substitution of an acyl fragment in the indomethacin structure for 4-piperidyl.

A synthetic scheme for the synthesis of [2-methyl-1-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-yl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-acetic acids 9a–f as possible bivalent ligands designed with a profile of combination of opioid μ-agonist and NSAID activities has been developed.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide