Azetidine Derivatives for Selective Cortical Catecholamine Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for central nervous system disorders related to monoamine dysregulation, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, often have limitations in efficacy and side effects, and there is a need for compounds that can selectively modulate dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the frontal cortex with improved pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel 3-phenoxy-azetidine derivatives that act as cortical enhancers, selectively increasing catecholamine levels in the frontal cortex without binding to human serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine transporters, thereby modulating monoamine neurotransmission for therapeutic effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current treatments for monoamine dysregulation are used, then therapeutic effects are achieved, but efficacy is limited and side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidside effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing compounds that selectively increase catecholamine levels specifically in the frontal cortex region, rather than systemically throughout the brain. This regional selectivity is achieved through the unique pharmacological profile of the 3-phenoxy-azetidine derivatives, which preferentially enhance monoaminergic transmission in cortical areas while sparing other brain regions, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy for cognitive and affective disorders while reducing side effects associated with non-selective monoamine modulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an intermediary mechanism by using 3-phenoxy-azetidine derivatives as mediator compounds that indirectly modulate catecholamine levels through receptor-mediated mechanisms rather than directly inhibiting transporters. These compounds act as intermediaries that facilitate increased dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the frontal cortex through postsynaptic receptor interactions, providing a more selective and controllable therapeutic approach compared to direct transporter inhibition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-selective monoamine modulation is used, then broad therapeutic effects are achieved, but region-specific efficacy in the frontal cortex is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroad therapeutic coverageVSAvoidregional selectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by creating compounds with differential regional activity patterns. The 3-phenoxy-azetidine derivatives exhibit enhanced potency and selectivity for cortical monoaminergic systems compared to subcortical regions, achieving approximately 2-3 fold greater efficacy in the frontal cortex. This spatial differentiation in pharmacological activity provides the desired regional precision for treating cortical-based cognitive and affective disorders while maintaining broad therapeutic applicability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the chemical structure of azetidine derivatives to achieve specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters that favor frontal cortex penetration and activity. Modifications to the phenoxy-azetidine core structure, including substitution patterns and molecular weight optimization, are designed to enhance blood-brain barrier penetration and cortical tissue distribution, thereby achieving the desired parameter profile for selective cortical enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If existing monoamine treatments are administered, then general neurotransmission is enhanced, but pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepharmacodynamic efficiencyVSAvoidpharmacokinetic profile
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes pharmacokinetic parameters by designing 3-phenoxy-azetidine derivatives with improved molecular properties including optimized lipophilicity, molecular weight, and metabolic stability. These parameter optimizations result in enhanced oral bioavailability, prolonged half-life, and reduced clearance compared to existing monoamine treatments. The compounds achieve sustained therapeutic levels in the frontal cortex with reduced dosing frequency, improving pharmacokinetic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the skipping principle by enabling rapid and efficient penetration of the blood-brain barrier and quick distribution to the frontal cortex target site. The optimized pharmacokinetic profile allows the compounds to rapidly achieve therapeutic concentrations in the cortex after administration, reducing the time to onset of action and improving the speed of therapeutic effect compared to conventional monoamine treatments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP3541784B1Novel azetidine derivatives useful as modulators of cortical catecholaminergic neurotransmission
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 INTEGRATIVE RESEARCH LABORATORIES SWEDEN AB
  • EP3541784B1 patent drawing
  • EP3541784B1 patent drawing
  • EP3541784B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I): (I) or an isotope labelled analog thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: each of R1, R2, R3, R6 and R7 represents H or F, R4 represents H or CH3 R5 represents H or C1-C4alkyl, wherein at least two of R1, R2, R3, R6 and R7 represent F, together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient and/or diluent.