Design, synthesis and SAR of piperidyl-oxadiazoles as 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 inhibitors

The potential roles of 11β-HSD1 inhibitors in metabolic syndrome, T2D and obesity were well established and currently several classes of 11β-HSD1 inhibitors have been developed as promising agents against metabolic diseases. To find potent compounds with good pharmacokinetics, we used the bioisosterism approach, and designed the compound 2 and 3 bearing an 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring to replace the amide group in compound 1. Guided by docking study, we then transformed compound 3 into a potent lead compound 4a by changing sulfonamide group to amide. To elaborate this series of piperidyl–oxadiazole derivatives as human 11β-HSD1 inhibitors, we explored the structure–activity relationship of several parts of the lead compound. Based on their potency toward human 11β-HSD1 two compounds 4h and 4q were advanced to pharmacokinetic study. It was found that 4h and 4q are potent and selective human 11β-HSD1 inhibitors with better pharmacokinetic properties than those of the original piperidine-3-carboxamide compound 1, and suitable for further in vivo preclinical study in primate model.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Design a series of piperidyl–oxadiazole derivatives as human 11β-HSD1 inhibitors. ► Discovery a potent lead compound by changing sulfonamide group to amide. ► Found two compounds with high potency and better pharmacokinetic properties.