Synthesis and biological evaluation of benzoic acid derivatives as potent, orally active VLA-4 antagonists.

A series of benzoic acid derivatives was synthesized as VLA-4 antagonists. Introduction of chlorine or bromine into the 3-position on the central benzene of the diphenylurea portion as in lead compound 2 led to improvement in the pharmacokinetic properties. In particular, 12l demonstrated an acceptable plasma clearance and bioavailability in mice and rats as well as dogs (mice, CL=18.5 ml/min/kg,F=28%; rats, CL=5.2 ml/min/kg,F=36%; dogs, CL=3.6 ml/min/kg,F=55%). Additionally, 12l exhibited potent activity with an IC50 value of 0.51 nM and efficacy by oral administration at a dosage of 10 mg/kg in a rat pleurisy model.