The role of fluorine in drug design and development is expanding rapidly as we learn more about the unique properties associated with this unusual element and how to deploy it with greater sophistication. The judicious introduction of fluorine into a molecule can productively influence conformation, pKa, intrinsic potency, membrane permeability, metabolic pathways, and pharmacokinetic properties. In addition, 18F has been established as a useful positron emitting isotope for use with in vivo imaging technology that potentially has extensive application in drug discovery and development, often limited only by convenient synthetic accessibility to labeled compounds. The wide ranging applications of fluorine in drug design are providing a strong stimulus for the development of new synthetic methodologies that allow more facile access to a wide range of fluorinated compounds. In this review, we provide an update on the effects of the strategic incorporation of fluorine in drug molecules and applications in po...

Applications of Fluorine in Medicinal Chemistry

Compounds Currently in Phase II−III Clinical Trials of Major Pharmaceutical Companies: New Structural Trends and Therapeutic Areas Yu Zhou,† Jiang Wang,† Zhanni Gu,† Shuni Wang,† Wei Zhu,† Jose ́ Luis Aceña,*,‡,§ Vadim A. Soloshonok,*,‡,∥ Kunisuke Izawa,* and Hong Liu*,† †Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China ‡Department of Organic Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel Lardizab́al 3, 20018 San Sebastiań, Spain Department of Organic Chemistry, Autońoma University of Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, María Díaz de Haro 3, 48013 Bilbao, Spain Hamari Chemicals Ltd., 1-4-29 Kunijima, Higashi-Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Japan 533-0024

Next Generation of Fluorine-Containing Pharmaceuticals, Compounds Currently in Phase II–III Clinical Trials of Major Pharmaceutical Companies: New Structural Trends and Therapeutic Areas

The electronic properties and relatively small size of fluorine endow it with considerable versatility as a bioisostere and it has found application as a substitute for lone pairs of electrons, the hydrogen atom, and the methyl group while also acting as a functional mimetic of the carbonyl, carbinol, and nitrile moieties. In this context, fluorine substitution can influence the potency, conformation, metabolism, membrane permeability, and P-gp recognition of a molecule and temper inhibition of the hERG channel by basic amines. However, as a consequence of the unique properties of fluorine, it features prominently in the design of higher order structural metaphors that are more esoteric in their conception and which reflect a more sophisticated molecular construction that broadens biological mimesis. In this Perspective, applications of fluorine in the construction of bioisosteric elements designed to enhance the in vitro and in vivo properties of a molecule are summarized.

Fluorine and Fluorinated Motifs in the Design and Application of Bioisosteres for Drug Design.

Fraser F. Fleming,* Lihua Yao, P. C. Ravikumar, Lee Funk, and Brian C. Shook Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282-1530, Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., 781 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, and Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, L.L.C., Welsh and McKean Roads, P.O. Box 776, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477

Nitrile-Containing Pharmaceuticals: Efficacious Roles of the Nitrile Pharmacophore

The RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signalling pathway is hyperactivated in a high percentage of tumours, most frequently owing to activating mutations of the KRAS, NRAS and BRAF genes. Recently, the use of compounds targeting components of ERK signalling, such as RAF or MEK inhibitors, has led to substantial improvement in clinical outcome in metastatic melanoma and has shown promising clinical activity in additional tumour types. However, response rates are highly variable and the efficacy of these drugs is primarily limited by the development of resistance. Both intrinsic and acquired resistance to RAF and MEK inhibitors are frequently associated with the persistence of ERK signalling in the presence of the drug, implying the need for more innovative approaches to target the pathway.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Poulikos_Poulikakos/publication/268987328_Targeting_RAS-ERK_signalling_in_cancer_promises_and_challenges/links/54aaced60cf2bce6aa1d6b4d.pdf

Targeting RAS–ERK signalling in cancer: promises and challenges

Alogliptin is a potent, selective inhibitor of the serine protease dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4). Herein, we describe the structure-based design and optimization of alogliptin and related quinazolinone-based DPP-4 inhibitors. Following an oral dose, these noncovalent inhibitors provide sustained reduction of plasma DPP-4 activity and a lowering of blood glucose in animal models of diabetes. Alogliptin is currently undergoing phase III trials in patients with type 2 diabetes.

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/jm8006799

Discovery of Alogliptin: A Potent, Selective, Bioavailable, and Efficacious Inhibitor of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV†

Compounds, pharmaceuticals, kits and methods are provided for use with DPP-IV and other S9 proteases that comprise a compound comprising: 
wherein M is N or CR 4 ; Q 1 and Q 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of CO, SO, SO 2 , and C═NR 9 ; and each L, X, R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 are as defined herein.

Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors

Discovery of TAK-733, a potent and selective MEK allosteric site inhibitor for the treatment of cancer

The discovery of two classes of heterocyclic dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, pyrimidinones and pyrimidinediones, is described. After a single oral dose, these potent, selective, and noncovalent inhibitors provide sustained reduction of plasma DPP-4 activity and lowering of blood glucose in animal models of diabetes. Compounds 13a, 27b, and 27j were selected for development.

Design and Synthesis of Pyrimidinone and Pyrimidinedione Inhibitors of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV

Compounds of the following formula are provided for use with MEK (I): wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds; methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds; and methods of using said compounds.

Michael B. Wallace

Papers

Discovery of Alogliptin: A Potent, Selective, Bioavailable, and Efficacious Inhibitor of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV†

Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors

Discovery of TAK-733, a potent and selective MEK allosteric site inhibitor for the treatment of cancer

Design and Synthesis of Pyrimidinone and Pyrimidinedione Inhibitors of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV

Mapk/erk kinase inhibitors