SAR studies of C2 ethers of 2H-pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4,7(1H,3H)-triones as nicotinic acid receptor (NAR) agonist

Based on in house screening lead compound 1 for the NAR project, SAR studies have been focused on the modification of the C2 ethers of the pyrimidinedione core structure. In this effort, an unpredictable SAR trend was overcome in the alkyl ether and arylalkyl ether series to identify compound 24 with improved in vitro activity compared to nicotinic acid. More consistent and predictable SAR was achieved in the propargyl ether series. Lead compound 41 was identified with good in vitro and in vivo activity in rat, and much improved rat PK profile. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.