Development and characterization of biphenylsulfonamides as novel inhibitors of bone resorption

Increased osteoclastic bone resorption plays a central role in the pathogenesis of many bone diseases, and osteoclast inhibitors are the most widely used treatments for these diseases. We have identified and characterized a series of novel biphenylsulfonamide derivatives that have potent inhibitory effects on osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro and that prevent ovariectomy-induced bone loss in vivo. A number of aromatic substituted derivatives were prepared and a QSAR model was generated, which allowed accurate prediction of compound potency. Using this model, we have prepared compounds able to inhibit osteoclast formation and bone resorption in vitro at concentrations in the nanomolar range. One such compound, 55 (ABD295) (Greig, I. R.; Mohamed, A. I.; Ralston, S. H.; van't Hof, R. J. Alkyl Aryl Sulfonamides as Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Bone Conditions. GB Patent WO2005118528, 2005), fully reversed ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice at a dose of 5 (mg/kg)/day. In conclusion, biphenylsulfonamides like 55 form a new class of potent antiresorptive agents with possible therapeutic use in diseases characterized by increased bone resorption.