EST64454: a Highly Soluble σ₁ Receptor Antagonist Clinical Candidate for Pain Management

Abstract

The synthesis and pharmacological activity of a new series of pyrazoles that led to the identification of 1-(4-(2-((1-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-1<i>H</i>-pyrazol-3-yl)methoxy)ethyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethanone (<b>9k</b>, EST64454) as a σ₁ receptor (σ₁R) antagonist clinical candidate for the treatment of pain are reported. The compound <b>9k</b> is easily obtained through a five-step synthesis suitable for the production scale and shows an outstanding aqueous solubility, which together with its high permeability in Caco-2 cells will allow its classification as a BCS class I compound. It also shows high metabolic stability in all species, linked to an adequate pharmacokinetic profile in rodents, and antinociceptive properties in the capsaicin and partial sciatic nerve ligation models in mice.