Spirocyclopentane as a Novel Scaffold for Potent Ghrelin Receptor Full Agonists
Cristina Gardelli1, Antonio Llinas2, Igor Shamovsky3
1Projects Department, Respiratory and Immunology, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Mölndal SE-43183, Sweden.
Researchers developed a novel compound (22) to combat muscle wasting and cachexia. This ghrelin receptor agonist shows promise for treating chronic diseases by increasing insulin-like growth factor-1.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Muscle atrophy and cachexia are prevalent in chronic diseases like cancer and COPD.
- Ghrelin, a peptide hormone, influences muscle growth, inflammation, and appetite.
- Ghrelin receptor agonists are potential therapeutics for catabolic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize lead compounds for ghrelin receptor agonism.
- To identify a clinical candidate for treating muscle wasting.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and evaluation of indane- and pyrrolidine-based ghrelin receptor agonists.
- Lead optimization based on previous studies.
- Pharmacodynamic assessment in a canine model.
Main Results:
- Identification of compound 22 as a promising clinical candidate.
- Demonstrated sustained increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 levels.
- Efficient lead optimization yielding a single potent compound.
Conclusions:
- Compound 22 represents a significant advancement in developing therapeutics for muscle atrophy and cachexia.
- Ghrelin receptor agonists hold therapeutic potential for catabolic diseases.
- Further clinical development of compound 22 is warranted.
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