SAR inspired by aldehyde oxidase (AO) metabolism: Discovery of novel, CNS penetrant tricyclic M4 PAMs

Abstract This letter describes progress towards an M 4 PAM preclinical candidate driven by an unexpected aldehyde oxidase (AO) metabolite of a novel, CNS penetrant thieno[2,3- c ]pyridine core to an equipotent, non-CNS penetrant thieno[2,3- c ]pyrdin-7(6 H )-one core. Medicinal chemistry design efforts yielded two novel tricyclic cores that enhanced M 4 PAM potency, regained CNS penetration, displayed favorable DMPK properties and afforded robust in vivo efficacy in reversing amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion in rats.