Abstract
A series of 1, 2-dihydro-5-imidazo[1, 2-α]pyridinyl-2(1H)-pyridonones was synthesized and evaluated for positive inotropic activity. 1, 2-Dihydro-5-imidazo[1, 2-α]pyridin-6-yl-6-methyl-2-oxo-3-pyridinecarbonitrile (11a) hydrochloride monohydrate (E-1020) was found to be a potent and selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase III and a long-acting, potent, orally active positive inotropic agent. Additional imidazo[1, 2-α]pyridin-2-yl (3a), -3-yl (16), -7-yl (20) and -8-yl (24a) compounds were also prepared. Altering the pyridine substitution from the 2-position to the 6-position produced a 2-fold increse in the i.v. cardiotonic potency (ED50) from 52 to 23 μg/kg, while substitution at the 3-, 7- or 8-position reduced potency. In the 2-positional isomers, introduction of halogen groups enhanced the activity and 3-chloro-1, 2-dihydro-5-(6-fluoroimidazo[1, 2-α]pyridin-2-yl)-6-methyl-2(1H)-pyridinone (3u) was the most potent (i.v. ED50 11 μg/kg) in this series. E-1020 is presently under development for the treatment of congestive heart failure.
