Structure activity relationship studies of tricyclic bispyran sulfone γ-secretase inhibitors

An investigation is detailed of the structure activity relationships (SAR) of two sulfone side chains of compound (-)-1a (SCH 900229), a potent, PS1-selective gamma-secretase inhibitor and clinical candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, 4-CF3 and 4-Br substituted arylsulfone analogs, (-)-1b and (-)-1c, are equipotent to compound (-)-1a. On the right hand side chain, linker size and terminal substituents of the pendant sulfone group are also investigated. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.