RESUMEN
Malaria remains a global health concern as drug resistance threatens treatment programs. We identified a piperidine carboxamide (SW042) with anti-malarial activity by phenotypic screening. Selection of SW042-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasites revealed point mutations in the Pf_proteasome ß5 active-site (Pfß5). A potent analog (SW584) showed efficacy in a mouse model of human malaria after oral dosing. SW584 had a low propensity to generate resistance (minimum inoculum for resistance [MIR] >109) and was synergistic with dihydroartemisinin. Pf_proteasome purification was facilitated by His8-tag introduction onto ß7. Inhibition of Pfß5 correlated with parasite killing, without inhibiting human proteasome isoforms or showing cytotoxicity. The Pf_proteasome_SW584 cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure showed that SW584 bound non-covalently distal from the catalytic threonine, in an unexplored pocket at the ß5/ß6/ß3 subunit interface that has species differences between Pf and human proteasomes. Identification of a reversible, species selective, orally active series with low resistance propensity provides a path for drugging this essential target.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos , Piperidinas , Plasmodium falciparum , Inhibidores de Proteasoma , Piperidinas/química , Piperidinas/farmacología , Plasmodium falciparum/efectos de los fármacos , Plasmodium falciparum/enzimología , Animales , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Antimaláricos/química , Humanos , Ratones , Inhibidores de Proteasoma/farmacología , Inhibidores de Proteasoma/química , Inhibidores de Proteasoma/síntesis química , Administración Oral , Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal/metabolismo , Malaria/tratamiento farmacológico , Malaria/parasitología , Amidas/química , Amidas/farmacología , Amidas/síntesis química , Malaria Falciparum/tratamiento farmacológico , Femenino , Estructura MolecularRESUMEN
In addition to vector control, long-lasting insecticidal nets and case management, the prevention of infection through vaccination and/or chemoprevention are playing an increasing role in the drive to eradicate malaria. These preventative approaches represent opportunities for improvement: new drugs may be discovered that target the early infectious stages of the Plasmodium parasite in the liver (rather than the symptomatic, abundant blood stage), and new, exciting vaccination technologies have recently been validated (using mRNA or novel adjuvants). Exploiting these possibilities requires the availability of humanized mouse models that support P. falciparum infection yet avoid the hazardous use of infectious mosquitoes. Here, we show that commercially available P. falciparum sporozoites and FRG mice carrying human hepatocytes and red blood cells faithfully recapitulate the early human malaria disease process, presenting an opportunity to use this model for the evaluation of prophylactic treatments with a novel mode of action.
RESUMEN
The Plasmodium falciparum aspartic protease plasmepsin X (PMX) is essential for the egress of invasive merozoite forms of the parasite. PMX has therefore emerged as a new potential antimalarial target. Building on peptidic amino alcohols originating from a phenotypic screening hit, we have here developed a series of macrocyclic analogues as PMX inhibitors. Incorporation of an extended linker between the S1 phenyl group and S3 amide led to a lead compound that displayed a 10-fold improved PMX inhibitory potency and a 3-fold improved half-life in microsomal stability assays compared to the acyclic analogue. The lead compound was also the most potent of the new macrocyclic compounds in in vitro parasite growth inhibition. Inhibitor 7k cleared blood-stage P. falciparum in a dose-dependent manner when administered orally to infected humanized mice. Consequently, lead compound 7k represents a promising orally bioavailable molecule for further development as a PMX-targeting antimalarial drug.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos , Peptidomiméticos , Ratones , Animales , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Antimaláricos/metabolismo , Peptidomiméticos/farmacología , Peptidomiméticos/metabolismo , Inhibidores de Proteasas/farmacología , Inhibidores de Proteasas/metabolismo , Ácido Aspártico Endopeptidasas , Plasmodium falciparum/metabolismo , Proteínas ProtozoariasRESUMEN
The development of new combinations of antimalarial drugs is urgently needed to prevent the spread of parasites resistant to drugs in clinical use and contribute to the control and eradication of malaria. In this work, we evaluated a standardized humanized mouse model of erythrocyte asexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum (PfalcHuMouse) for the selection of optimal drug combinations. First, we showed that the replication of P. falciparum was robust and highly reproducible in the PfalcHuMouse model by retrospective analysis of historical data. Second, we compared the relative value of parasite clearance from blood, parasite regrowth after suboptimal treatment (recrudescence), and cure as variables of therapeutic response to measure the contributions of partner drugs to combinations in vivo. To address the comparison, we first formalized and validated the day of recrudescence (DoR) as a new variable and found that there was a log-linear relationship with the number of viable parasites per mouse. Then, using historical data on monotherapy and two small cohorts of PfalcHuMice evaluated with ferroquine plus artefenomel or piperaquine plus artefenomel, we found that only measurements of parasite killing (i.e., cure of mice) as a function of drug exposure in blood allowed direct estimation of the individual drug contribution to efficacy by using multivariate statistical modeling and intuitive graphic displays. Overall, the analysis of parasite killing in the PfalcHuMouse model is a unique and robust experimental in vivo tool to inform the selection of optimal combinations by pharmacometric pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos , Malaria Falciparum , Animales , Ratones , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Antimaláricos/uso terapéutico , Plasmodium falciparum , Estudios Retrospectivos , Peróxidos , Malaria Falciparum/tratamiento farmacológico , Malaria Falciparum/parasitología , Combinación de MedicamentosRESUMEN
Plasmepsin X (PMX) is an essential aspartyl protease controlling malaria parasite egress and invasion of erythrocytes, development of functional liver merozoites (prophylactic activity), and blocking transmission to mosquitoes, making it a potential multistage drug target. We report the optimization of an aspartyl protease binding scaffold and the discovery of potent, orally active PMX inhibitors with in vivo antimalarial efficacy. Incorporation of safety evaluation early in the characterization of PMX inhibitors precluded compounds with a long human half-life (t1/2) to be developed. Optimization focused on improving the off-target safety profile led to the identification of UCB7362 that had an improved in vitro and in vivo safety profile but a shorter predicted human t1/2. UCB7362 is estimated to achieve 9â¯logâ¯10 unit reduction in asexual blood-stage parasites with once-daily dosing of 50 mg for 7 days. This work demonstrates the potential to deliver PMX inhibitors with in vivo efficacy to treat malaria.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos , Antagonistas del Ácido Fólico , Malaria , Animales , Humanos , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Antimaláricos/uso terapéutico , Plasmodium falciparum/metabolismo , Ácido Aspártico Endopeptidasas , Malaria/tratamiento farmacológicoRESUMEN
Human and animal malaria parasites increase their host erythrocyte permeability to a broad range of solutes as mediated by parasite-associated ion channels. Molecular and pharmacological studies have implicated an essential role in parasite nutrient acquisition, but inhibitors suitable for development of antimalarial drugs are missing. Here, we generated a potent and specific drug lead using Plasmodium falciparum, a virulent human pathogen, and derivatives of MBX-2366, a nanomolar affinity pyridazinone inhibitor from a high-throughput screen. As this screening hit lacks the bioavailability and stability needed for in vivo efficacy, we synthesized 315 derivatives to optimize drug-like properties, establish target specificity, and retain potent activity against the parasite-induced permeability. Using a robust, iterative pipeline, we generated MBX-4055, a derivative active against divergent human parasite strains. MBX-4055 has improved oral absorption with acceptable in vivo tolerability and pharmacokinetics. It also has no activity against a battery of 35 human channels and receptors and is refractory to acquired resistance during extended in vitro selection. Single-molecule and single-cell patch-clamp indicate direct action on the plasmodial surface anion channel, a channel linked to parasite-encoded RhopH proteins. These studies identify pyridazinones as novel and tractable antimalarial scaffolds with a defined mechanism of action. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Because antimalarial drugs are prone to evolving resistance in the virulent human P. falciparum pathogen, new therapies are needed. This study has now developed a novel drug-like series of pyridazinones that target an unexploited parasite anion channel on the host cell surface, display excellent in vitro and in vivo ADME properties, are refractory to acquired resistance, and demonstrate a well defined mechanism of action.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos , Antagonistas del Ácido Fólico , Animales , Aniones/química , Aniones/metabolismo , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Eritrocitos/metabolismo , Humanos , Nutrientes , Plasmodium falciparum/metabolismoRESUMEN
Drug resistance and a dire lack of transmission-blocking antimalarials hamper malaria elimination. Here, we present the pantothenamide MMV693183 as a first-in-class acetyl-CoA synthetase (AcAS) inhibitor to enter preclinical development. Our studies demonstrate attractive drug-like properties and in vivo efficacy in a humanized mouse model of Plasmodium falciparum infection. The compound shows single digit nanomolar in vitro activity against P. falciparum and P. vivax clinical isolates, and potently blocks P. falciparum transmission to Anopheles mosquitoes. Genetic and biochemical studies identify AcAS as the target of the MMV693183-derived antimetabolite, CoA-MMV693183. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling predict that a single 30 mg oral dose is sufficient to cure a malaria infection in humans. Toxicology studies in rats indicate a > 30-fold safety margin in relation to the predicted human efficacious exposure. In conclusion, MMV693183 represents a promising candidate for further (pre)clinical development with a novel mode of action for treatment of malaria and blocking transmission.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos , Antagonistas del Ácido Fólico , Malaria Falciparum , Malaria Vivax , Malaria , Animales , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Antimaláricos/uso terapéutico , Malaria/tratamiento farmacológico , Malaria Falciparum/tratamiento farmacológico , Malaria Vivax/tratamiento farmacológico , Ratones , Ácido Pantoténico/análogos & derivados , Plasmodium falciparum/genética , RatasRESUMEN
A series of 5-aryl-2-amino-imidazothiadiazole (ITD) derivatives were identified by a phenotype-based high-throughput screening using a blood stage Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) growth inhibition assay. A lead optimization program focused on improving antiplasmodium potency, selectivity against human kinases, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties and extended pharmacological profiles culminated in the identification of INE963 (1), which demonstrates potent cellular activity against Pf 3D7 (EC50 = 0.006 µM) and achieves "artemisinin-like" kill kinetics in vitro with a parasite clearance time of <24 h. A single dose of 30 mg/kg is fully curative in the Pf-humanized severe combined immunodeficient mouse model. INE963 (1) also exhibits a high barrier to resistance in drug selection studies and a long half-life (T1/2) across species. These properties suggest the significant potential for INE963 (1) to provide a curative therapy for uncomplicated malaria with short dosing regimens. For these reasons, INE963 (1) was progressed through GLP toxicology studies and is now undergoing Ph1 clinical trials.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos , Antagonistas del Ácido Fólico , Malaria Falciparum , Malaria , Animales , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Antimaláricos/uso terapéutico , Antagonistas del Ácido Fólico/uso terapéutico , Malaria/tratamiento farmacológico , Malaria Falciparum/tratamiento farmacológico , Ratones , Ratones SCID , Plasmodium falciparumRESUMEN
The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to first-line antimalarials creates an imperative to identify and develop potent preclinical candidates with distinct modes of action. Here, we report the identification of MMV688533, an acylguanidine that was developed following a whole-cell screen with compounds known to hit high-value targets in human cells. MMV688533 displays fast parasite clearance in vitro and is not cross-resistant with known antimalarials. In a P. falciparum NSG mouse model, MMV688533 displays a long-lasting pharmacokinetic profile and excellent safety. Selection studies reveal a low propensity for resistance, with modest loss of potency mediated by point mutations in PfACG1 and PfEHD. These proteins are implicated in intracellular trafficking, lipid utilization, and endocytosis, suggesting interference with these pathways as a potential mode of action. This preclinical candidate may offer the potential for a single low-dose cure for malaria.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos , Malaria Falciparum , Malaria , Parásitos , Animales , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Antimaláricos/uso terapéutico , Endocitosis , Malaria/tratamiento farmacológico , Malaria Falciparum/tratamiento farmacológico , Plasmodium falciparumRESUMEN
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) has been clinically validated as a target for the development of new antimalarials. Experience with clinical candidate triazolopyrimidine DSM265 (1) suggested that DHODH inhibitors have great potential for use in prophylaxis, which represents an unmet need in the malaria drug discovery portfolio for endemic countries, particularly in areas of high transmission in Africa. We describe a structure-based computationally driven lead optimization program of a pyrrole-based series of DHODH inhibitors, leading to the discovery of two candidates for potential advancement to preclinical development. These compounds have improved physicochemical properties over prior series frontrunners and they show no time-dependent CYP inhibition, characteristic of earlier compounds. Frontrunners have potent antimalarial activity in vitro against blood and liver schizont stages and show good efficacy in Plasmodium falciparum SCID mouse models. They are equally active against P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax field isolates and are selective for Plasmodium DHODHs versus mammalian enzymes.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos/farmacología , Diseño de Fármacos , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Oxidorreductasas actuantes sobre Donantes de Grupo CH-CH/antagonistas & inhibidores , Pirroles/farmacología , Animales , Antimaláricos/química , Dihidroorotato Deshidrogenasa , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/química , Ratones , Plasmodium falciparum/efectos de los fármacos , Pirroles/química , Relación Estructura-ActividadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Efficacy of current antimalarial treatments is declining as a result of increasing antimalarial drug resistance, so new and potent antimalarial drugs are urgently needed. Azithromycin, an azalide antibiotic, was found useful in malaria therapy, but its efficacy in humans is low. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Four compounds belonging to structurally different azalide classes were tested and their activities compared to azithromycin and chloroquine. in vitro evaluation included testing against sensitive and resistant Plasmodium falciparum, cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells, accumulation and retention in human erythrocytes, antibacterial activity, and mode of action studies (delayed death phenotype and haem polymerization). in vivo assessment enabled determination of pharmacokinetic profiles in mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys and in vivo efficacy in a humanized mouse model. KEY RESULTS: Novel fast-acting azalides were highly active in vitro against P. falciparum strains exhibiting various resistance patterns, including chloroquine-resistant strains. Excellent antimalarial activity was confirmed in a P. falciparum murine model by strong inhibition of haemozoin-containing trophozoites and quick clearance of parasites from the blood. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that compounds are metabolically stable and have moderate oral bioavailability, long half-lives, low clearance, and substantial exposures, with blood cells as the preferred compartment, especially infected erythrocytes. Fast anti-plasmodial action is achieved by the high accumulation into infected erythrocytes and interference with parasite haem polymerization, a mode of action different from slow-acting azithromycin. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The hybrid derivatives described here represent excellent antimalarial drug candidates with the potential for clinical use in malaria therapy.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos , Malaria , Animales , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Antimaláricos/uso terapéutico , Azitromicina/farmacología , Azitromicina/uso terapéutico , Cloroquina/farmacología , Cloroquina/uso terapéutico , Perros , Malaria/tratamiento farmacológico , Ratones , Plasmodium falciparum , RatasRESUMEN
Malaria puts at risk nearly half the world's population and causes high mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, while drug resistance threatens current therapies. The pyrimidine biosynthetic enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a validated target for malaria treatment based on our finding that triazolopyrimidine DSM265 (1) showed efficacy in clinical studies. Herein, we describe optimization of a pyrrole-based series identified using a target-based DHODH screen. Compounds with nanomolar potency versus Plasmodium DHODH and Plasmodium parasites were identified with good pharmacological properties. X-ray studies showed that the pyrroles bind an alternative enzyme conformation from 1 leading to improved species selectivity versus mammalian enzymes and equivalent activity on Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax DHODH. The best lead DSM502 (37) showed in vivo efficacy at similar levels of blood exposure to 1, although metabolic stability was reduced. Overall, the pyrrole-based DHODH inhibitors provide an attractive alternative scaffold for the development of new antimalarial compounds.
Asunto(s)
Antimaláricos/uso terapéutico , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/uso terapéutico , Malaria Falciparum/tratamiento farmacológico , Oxidorreductasas actuantes sobre Donantes de Grupo CH-CH/antagonistas & inhibidores , Pirroles/uso terapéutico , Animales , Antimaláricos/síntesis química , Antimaláricos/metabolismo , Antimaláricos/farmacocinética , Línea Celular Tumoral , Cristalografía por Rayos X , Dihidroorotato Deshidrogenasa , Perros , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/síntesis química , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/metabolismo , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacocinética , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Ratones SCID , Microsomas Hepáticos/metabolismo , Estructura Molecular , Oxidorreductasas actuantes sobre Donantes de Grupo CH-CH/metabolismo , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Parasitaria , Plasmodium falciparum/efectos de los fármacos , Plasmodium falciparum/enzimología , Plasmodium vivax/efectos de los fármacos , Plasmodium vivax/enzimología , Unión Proteica , Pirroles/síntesis química , Pirroles/metabolismo , Pirroles/farmacocinética , Ratas , Relación Estructura-ActividadRESUMEN
Malaria eradication is critically dependent on new therapeutics that target resistant Plasmodium parasites and block transmission of the disease. Here, we report that pantothenamide bioisosteres were active against blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites and also blocked transmission of sexual stages to the mosquito vector. These compounds were resistant to degradation by serum pantetheinases, showed favorable pharmacokinetic properties, and cleared parasites in a humanized mouse model of P. falciparum infection. Metabolomics revealed that coenzyme A biosynthetic enzymes converted pantothenamides into coenzyme A analogs that interfered with parasite acetyl-coenzyme A anabolism. Resistant parasites generated in vitro showed mutations in acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase and acyl-coenzyme A synthetase 11. Introduction and reversion of these mutations in P. falciparum using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing confirmed the roles of these enzymes in the sensitivity of the malaria parasites to pantothenamides. These pantothenamide compounds with a new mode of action may have potential as drugs against malaria parasites.
Asunto(s)
Acetilcoenzima A/biosíntesis , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Vías Biosintéticas/efectos de los fármacos , Ácido Pantoténico/análogos & derivados , Ácido Pantoténico/farmacología , Plasmodium falciparum/metabolismo , Animales , Antimaláricos/química , Antimaláricos/farmacocinética , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Resistencia a Medicamentos/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Malaria Falciparum/parasitología , Malaria Falciparum/transmisión , Masculino , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Mutación/genética , Ácido Pantoténico/química , Parasitemia/tratamiento farmacológico , Parásitos/efectos de los fármacos , Parásitos/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias/genética , Reproducción Asexuada/efectos de los fármacos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Trofozoítos/efectos de los fármacos , Trofozoítos/metabolismoRESUMEN
Malaria and cryptosporidiosis, caused by apicomplexan parasites, remain major drivers of global child mortality. New drugs for the treatment of malaria and cryptosporidiosis, in particular, are of high priority; however, there are few chemically validated targets. The natural product cladosporin is active against blood- and liver-stage Plasmodium falciparum and Cryptosporidium parvum in cell-culture studies. Target deconvolution in P. falciparum has shown that cladosporin inhibits lysyl-tRNA synthetase (PfKRS1). Here, we report the identification of a series of selective inhibitors of apicomplexan KRSs. Following a biochemical screen, a small-molecule hit was identified and then optimized by using a structure-based approach, supported by structures of both PfKRS1 and C. parvum KRS (CpKRS). In vivo proof of concept was established in an SCID mouse model of malaria, after oral administration (ED90 = 1.5 mg/kg, once a day for 4 d). Furthermore, we successfully identified an opportunity for pathogen hopping based on the structural homology between PfKRS1 and CpKRS. This series of compounds inhibit CpKRS and C. parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis in culture, and our lead compound shows oral efficacy in two cryptosporidiosis mouse models. X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations have provided a model to rationalize the selectivity of our compounds for PfKRS1 and CpKRS vs. (human) HsKRS. Our work validates apicomplexan KRSs as promising targets for the development of drugs for malaria and cryptosporidiosis.
Asunto(s)
Criptosporidiosis , Cryptosporidium parvum/enzimología , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Lisina-ARNt Ligasa/antagonistas & inhibidores , Malaria Falciparum , Plasmodium falciparum/enzimología , Proteínas Protozoarias/antagonistas & inhibidores , Animales , Criptosporidiosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Criptosporidiosis/enzimología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/química , Humanos , Lisina-ARNt Ligasa/metabolismo , Malaria Falciparum/tratamiento farmacológico , Malaria Falciparum/enzimología , Ratones SCID , Proteínas Protozoarias/metabolismoRESUMEN
The 2-aminopyridine MMV048 was the first drug candidate inhibiting Plasmodium phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K), a novel drug target for malaria, to enter clinical development. In an effort to identify the next generation of PI4K inhibitors, the series was optimized to improve properties such as solubility and antiplasmodial potency across the parasite life cycle, leading to the 2-aminopyrazine UCT943. The compound displayed higher asexual blood stage, transmission-blocking, and liver stage activities than MMV048 and was more potent against resistant Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax clinical isolates. Excellent in vitro antiplasmodial activity translated into high efficacy in Plasmodium berghei and humanized P. falciparum NOD-scid IL-2Rγ null mouse models. The high passive permeability and high aqueous solubility of UCT943, combined with low to moderate in vivo intrinsic clearance, resulted in sustained exposure and high bioavailability in preclinical species. In addition, the predicted human dose for a curative single administration using monkey and dog pharmacokinetics was low, ranging from 50 to 80 mg. As a next-generation Plasmodium PI4K inhibitor, UCT943, based on the combined preclinical data, has the potential to form part of a single-exposure radical cure and prophylaxis (SERCaP) to treat, prevent, and block the transmission of malaria.
RESUMEN
Optimization of a chemical series originating from whole-cell phenotypic screening against the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, led to the identification of two promising 2,6-disubstituted imidazopyridine compounds, 43 and 74. These compounds exhibited potent activity against asexual blood stage parasites that, together with their in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties, translated to in vivo efficacy with clearance of parasites in the PfSCID mouse model for malaria within 48 h of treatment.
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Descubrimiento de Drogas , Imidazoles/química , Imidazoles/farmacocinética , Malaria/tratamiento farmacológico , Plasmodium falciparum/fisiología , Piridinas/química , Piridinas/farmacocinética , Animales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Estabilidad de Medicamentos , Canal de Potasio ERG1/metabolismo , Humanos , Imidazoles/metabolismo , Imidazoles/uso terapéutico , Malaria/genética , Malaria/metabolismo , Ratones , Piridinas/metabolismo , Piridinas/uso terapéutico , Solubilidad , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Distribución Tisular , Agua/químicaRESUMEN
With â¼429,000 deaths in 2016, malaria remains a major infectious disease where the need to treat the fever symptoms, but also to provide relevant post-treatment prophylaxis, is of major importance. An azepanylcarbazole amino alcohol is disclosed with a long- and fast-acting in vivo antiplasmodial efficacy and meets numerous attributes of a desired post-treatment chemoprophylactic antimalarial agent. The synthesis, the parasitological characterization, and the animal pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of this compound are presented along with a proposed target.
RESUMEN
To combat drug resistance, new chemical entities are urgently required for use in next generation anti-malarial combinations. We report here the results of a medicinal chemistry programme focused on an imidazopyridine series targeting the Plasmodium falciparum cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (PfPKG). The most potent compound (ML10) has an IC50 of 160 pM in a PfPKG kinase assay and inhibits P. falciparum blood stage proliferation in vitro with an EC50 of 2.1 nM. Oral dosing renders blood stage parasitaemia undetectable in vivo using a P. falciparum SCID mouse model. The series targets both merozoite egress and erythrocyte invasion, but crucially, also blocks transmission of mature P. falciparum gametocytes to Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. A co-crystal structure of PvPKG bound to ML10, reveals intimate molecular contacts that explain the high levels of potency and selectivity we have measured. The properties of this series warrant consideration for further development to produce an antimalarial drug.Protein kinases are promising drug targets for treatment of malaria. Here, starting with a medicinal chemistry approach, Baker et al. generate an imidazopyridine that selectively targets Plasmodium falciparum PKG, inhibits blood stage parasite growth in vitro and in mice and blocks transmission to mosquitoes.