Structure−Activity Relationship Studies Leading to the Identification of (2<i>E</i>)-3-[l-[(2,4-Dichlorophenyl)methyl]-5-fluoro-3-methyl-l<i>H</i>-indol-7-yl]-<i>N</i>-[(4,5-dichloro-2-thienyl)sulfonyl]-2-propenamide (DG-041), a Potent and Selective Prostanoid EP3 Receptor Antagonist, as a Novel Antiplatelet Agent That Does Not Prolong Bleeding

Abstract

The EP(3) receptor on the platelet mediates prostaglandin E(2) potentiation of thrombogenic coagonists including collagen and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). A pharmacophore driven approach led to the identification of diverse peri-substituted heterocycles as potent and selective EP(3) receptor antagonists. A simultaneous chemical optimization and druglike assessment of prioritized molecules converged on a lead compound 50 (DG-041) that displayed favorable in vitro and functional activities as an inhibitor of human platelet aggregation. This agent is currently in human clinical trials for the treatment of atherothrombosis.