Evaluation of anti-depressant effects of phthalazinone-based triple-acting small molecules against 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and the serotonin transporter. Issue 4 (15th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Jihye; Cha, Eunji; Park, Woo Kyu; Lee, Hye Yeon; Lim, Sang Min; Kim, Hak Joong; Pae, Ae Nim
• Is Part Of: Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters. Volume 30:Issue 4(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02-15
• Subjects: Major depressive disorder -- Serotonin -- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor -- 5-HT2A -- 5-HT2C; Bioorganic chemistry -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical chemistry -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.126882
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-894X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Abstract: Development of highly effective, safe, and fast-acting anti-depressants is urgently required for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It has been suggested that targeting 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C in addition to inhibition of serotonin reuptake may be beneficial in generating anti-depressant agents with better pharmacology and less adverse effects. We have developed phthalazinone-based compounds that potently bind to 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and the serotonin transporter. The representative compounds 11j and 11l displayed strong binding affinities against these targets, and showed favorable toxicity profiles as determined by hERG binding and CYP inhibition assays. Furthermore, these compounds presented promising anti-depressant effects comparable to fluoxetine and also synergistic effects with fluoxetine in forced swimming test, which implicates these compounds can be developed to help the treatment of major depressive disorder.