Lead Optimization of Second-Generation Acridones as Broad-Spectrum Antimalarials

J Med Chem. 2020 Jun 11;63(11):6179-6202. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00539. Epub 2020 May 26.

Abstract

The global impact of malaria remains staggering despite extensive efforts to eradicate the disease. With increasing drug resistance and the absence of a clinically available vaccine, there is an urgent need for novel, affordable, and safe drugs for prevention and treatment of malaria. Previously, we described a novel antimalarial acridone chemotype that is potent against both blood-stage and liver-stage malaria parasites. Here, we describe an optimization process that has produced a second-generation acridone series with significant improvements in efficacy, metabolic stability, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of dual-stage targeting acridones as novel drug candidates for further preclinical development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acridones / chemistry*
  • Acridones / pharmacokinetics
  • Acridones / pharmacology
  • Acridones / therapeutic use
  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / chemistry*
  • Antimalarials / pharmacokinetics
  • Antimalarials / pharmacology
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Half-Life
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Life Cycle Stages / drug effects
  • Malaria / drug therapy
  • Malaria / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects
  • Plasmodium falciparum / isolation & purification
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Acridones
  • Antimalarials