Novel and High Affinity 2-[(Diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide (Modafinil) Analogues as Atypical Dopamine Transporter Inhibitors

J Med Chem. 2016 Dec 8;59(23):10676-10691. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01373. Epub 2016 Nov 28.

Abstract

The development of pharmacotherapeutic treatments of psychostimulant abuse has remained a challenge, despite significant efforts made toward relevant mechanistic targets, such as the dopamine transporter (DAT). The atypical DAT inhibitors have received attention due to their promising pharmacological profiles in animal models of cocaine and methamphetamine abuse. Herein, we report a series of modafinil analogues that have an atypical DAT inhibitor profile. We extended SAR by chemically manipulating the oxidation states of the sulfoxide and the amide functional groups, halogenating the phenyl rings, and/or functionalizing the terminal nitrogen with substituted piperazines, resulting in several novel leads such as 11b, which demonstrated high DAT affinity (Ki = 2.5 nM) and selectivity without producing concomitant locomotor stimulation in mice, as compared to cocaine. These results are consistent with an atypical DAT inhibitor profile and suggest that 11b may be a potential lead for development as a psychostimulant abuse medication.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / chemistry
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / metabolism
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / pharmacology*
  • COS Cells
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Locomotion / drug effects
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microsomes, Liver / chemistry
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism
  • Modafinil
  • Molecular Structure
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Modafinil