Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of prodrugs of 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethoxy]adenine

A number of esters and amides of the anti-HIV nucleotide analogue 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)-ethoxy]adenine (1) have been synthesized as potential prodrugs and evaluated for oral bioavailability in mice. Dialkyl esters 17-20 were prepared via a Mitsunobu coupling of alcohols 8-11 with 9-hydroxypurine 12 whereas (acyloxy)alkyl esters 25-33 and bis-[(alkoxycarbonyl)methyl] and bis(amidomethyl) esters 34-39 were obtained by reaction of 1 with a suitable alkylating agent. Phosphonodichloridate chemistry was employed for the preparation of dialkyl and diaryl esters 42-65, and bis(phosphonoamidates) 66 and 67. Following oral administration to mice, most of the dialkyl esters 17-20 were well-absorbed and then converted to the corresponding monoesters, but minimal further metabolism to 1 occurred. Bis[(pivaloyloxy)methyl] ester 25 displayed an oral bioavailability of 30% that was 15-fold higher than the bioavailability observed after dosing of 1. Methyl substitution at the alpha carbon of the bis[(pivaloyloxy)methyl] ester 25 (33) increased the oral bioavailability of 1 to 74%. Some of the diaryl esters also showed improved absorption properties in comparison with that of 1. In particular, the crystalline hydrochloride salt of diphenyl ester 55 was well-absorbed and efficiently converted to the parent compound with an oral bioavailability of 50%. On the basis of these results as well as the physicochemical properties of the prodrugs and their stability in mouse duodenal contents, the hydrochloride salt of diphenyl ester 55 was identified as the preferred prodrug of 1.