Discovery of (R)-4-Cyclopropyl-7;8-difluoro-5-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinoline (ELND006) and (R)-4-Cyclopropyl-8-fluoro-5-(6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-ylsulfonyl)-4,5-dihydro-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinoline (ELND007): Metabolically Stable gamma-Secretase Inhibitors that Selectively Inhibit the Production of Amyloid-beta over Notch

Herein, we describe our strategy to design metabolically stable gamma-secretase inhibitors which are selective for inhibition of A beta generation over Notch. We highlight our synthetic strategy to incorporate diversity and chirality. Compounds 30 (ELND006) and 34 (ELND007) both entered human clinical trials. The in vitro and in vivo characteristics for these two compounds are described. A comparison of inhibition of A beta generation in vivo between 30, 34, Semagacestat 41, Begacestat 42, and Avagacestat 43 in mice is made. 30 lowered A in the CSF of healthy human volunteers.