Potent, exceptionally selective, orally bioavailable inhibitors of TNF-α Converting Enzyme (TACE):: Novel 2-substituted-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzamide P1′ substituents

Novel ((2-substituted-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzamides were found to be excellent P1' substituents in conjunction with unique constrained beta-amino hydroxamic acid scaffolds for the discovery of potent selective inhibitors of TNF-alpha Converting Enzyme (TACE). Optimized examples proved potent for TACE, exceptionally selective over a wide panel of MMP and ADAM proteases, potent in the suppression of LPS-induced TNF-alpha in human whole blood and orally bioavailable. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.