New Generation of sGC Stimulators: Discovery of Imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridine Carboxamide BAY 1165747 (BAY-747), a Long-Acting Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator for the Treatment of Resistant Hypertension

Abstract

Herein, we describe the identification, chemical optimization, and preclinical characterization of novel soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators. Given the very broad therapeutic opportunities for sGC stimulators, new tailored molecules for distinct indications with specific pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and physicochemical properties will be required in the future. Here, we report the ultrahigh-throughput (uHTS)-based discovery of a new class of sGC stimulators from an imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridine lead series. Through the extensive and staggered optimization of the initial screening hit, liabilities such as potency, metabolic stability, permeation, and solubility could be substantially improved in parallel. These efforts resulted ultimately in the discovery of the new sGC stimulators <b>22</b> and <b>28</b>. It turned out that BAY 1165747 (BAY-747, <b>28</b>) could be an ideal treatment alternative for patients with hypertension, especially those not responding to standard anti-hypertensive therapy (resistant hypertension). BAY-747 (<b>28</b>) demonstrated sustained hemodynamic effects up to 24 h in phase 1 studies.