Property-Based Optimization of Hydroxamate-Based gamma-Lactam HDAC Inhibitors to Improve Their Metabolic Stability and Pharmacokinetic Profiles

Abstract

Hydroxamate-based HDAC inhibitors have promising anticancer activities but metabolic instability and poor pharmacokinetics leading to poor in vivo results. QSAR and PK studies of HDAC inhibitors showed that a gamma-lactam core and a modified cap group, including halo, alkyl, and alkoxy groups with various carbon chain linkers, improved HDAC inhibition and metabolic stability. The biological properties of the gamma-lactam HDAC inhibitors were evaluated; the compound designated 8f had potent anticancer activity and high oral bioavailability.