Discovery of a novel series of potent MK2 non-ATP competitive inhibitors using 1,2-substituted azoles as cis-amide isosteres

A unified strategy was conceived and implemented to deliver conformationally constrained anilides based on their preferred cis-amide conformers. The imidazole/triazole mimicing amide bonds were designed, building upon an earlier discovery of a novel series of tricyclic lactams MK2 kinase inhibitors. This approach enabled rapid, modular synthesis of structurally novel analogs. The efficient SAR development led to the discovery of low molecular weight and potent MK2 non-ATP competitive inhibitors with good ligand efficiency, which led to improved permeability and oral exposure in rats.