New imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives: Synthesis, in vitro anticancer evaluation, and in silico studies

A series of 18 new imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives was synthesized. Their in vitro antiproliferative activities against A375P human melanoma cell line and NCI-60 cell line panel were tested. Compounds 15, 16, 18, 22, 26–28, and 31 showed superior potency against A375P to sorafenib. In addition, compounds 26 and 27 showed selectivity toward melanoma cell lines than for other cancer types. Both compounds exerted sub-micromolar IC50 values over 7 (including A375P) and 6 melanoma cell lines, respectively. In silico studies are also reported. ADME profiling, in silico toxicity, drug-likeness, and drug-score data of compounds 26 and 27 are promising.

Graphical abstractSynthesis of new imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives is described. Their in vitro anticancer activities against 61 human cancer cell lines and different in silico studies are reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Synthesis and in vitro antiproliferative activities of new imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles are reported. ► Mean IC50 of compounds 26 and 27 over NCI 9 melanoma cell lines was 1.40 and 0.79 μM, respectively. ► 26 and 27 were 4.25 and 4.14 times, respectively, more selective for melanoma than breast cancer. ► IC50 values of 26 and 27 were in sub-micromolar range against 7 and 6 melanoma cell lines, respectively. ► In silico studies were conducted for the best compounds.