Novel Macrocyclic NLRP3 Inhibitors

Aberrant activation of NLRP3 due to persistent tissue damage, misfolded proteins or crystal deposits has been linked to multiple chronic inflammatory disorders such as cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS), neurodegenerative diseases, gouty arthritis, and numerous others. Hence, there has been an increasing interest in NLRP3 inhibitors as therapeutics. A first generation of NLRP3 inhibitors bearing a sulfonylurea core such as MCC950 (developed by Pfizer) were discovered by phenotypic screening, however their mode of action was only elucidated later. Based on MCC950, second-generation inhibitors were developed, aiming to overcome some liabilities such as moderate potency and drug induced liver injury. During the optimization of these (second-generation) inhibitors, conformational studies led to the design of novel macrocycles. Here we report the discovery and optimization of this class of NLRP3 inhibitors.