Discovery of a Novel Class of Phosphodiesterase 10A Inhibitors and Identification of Clinical Candidate 2-[4-(1-Methyl-4-pyridin-4-yl-1 <i>H</i> -pyrazol-3-yl)-phenoxymethyl]-quinoline (PF-2545920) for the Treatment of Schizophrenia†Coordinates of the PDE10A crystal structures have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank for compound 1 (3HQW), 2 (3HQY), 3 (3HQW) and 9 (3HR1).

Abstract

By utilizing structure-based drug design (SBDD) knowledge, a novel class of phosphodiesterase (PDE) 10A inhibitors was identified. The structure-based drug design efforts identified a unique "selectivity pocket" for PDE10A inhibitors, and interactions within this pocket allowed the design of highly selective and potent PDE10A inhibitors. Further optimization of brain penetration and drug-like properties led to the discovery of 2-[4-(1-methyl-4-pyridin-4-yl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-phenoxymethyl]-quinoline (PF-2545920). This PDE10A inhibitor is the first reported clinical entry for this mechanism in the treatment of schizophrenia.