Identification of SD-0006, a potent diaryl pyrazole inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase

Starting from an initial HTS screening lead, a novel series of C(5)-substituted diaryl pyrazoles were developed that showed potent inhibition of p38α kinase. Key to this outcome was the switch from a pyridyl to pyrimidine at the C(4)-position leading to analogs that were potent in human whole blood based cell assay as well as in a number of animal efficacy models for rheumatoid arthritis. Ultimately, we identified a clinical candidate from this substrate; SD-0006.

Graphical abstractStarting from the novel screening lead, SC-102, synthesis and structure activity relationships are provided highlighting the progression to and identification of the potent p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SD-0006.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide