Pyrazole Compounds Protect Mitochondrial Function

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for degenerative diseases associated with mitochondrial damage and dysfunction, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, are limited in efficacy and safety, with existing metabolic cofactors like Coenzyme Q and vitamins providing occasional benefits but lacking general utility in clinical practice.

Innovation Solution

Development of compounds of formula I, specifically designed to protect against calcium- and oxidative-stress mediated damage to mitochondrial function, which are used in pharmaceutical compositions for treating degenerative diseases and disorders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing metabolic cofactors like Coenzyme Q and vitamins are used for treatment, then occasional benefits are provided, but general utility and efficacy are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidgeneral utility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of coenzyme Q by changing parameters such as the side chain length, aromatic ring substitutions, and ester groups to create analogs with improved mitochondrial protective activity while maintaining the core quinone structure responsible for biological function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates composite molecular structures combining the quinone core of coenzyme Q with various aromatic substituents and side chains to produce compounds that exhibit enhanced stability, reduced oxidation, and improved therapeutic efficacy compared to natural coenzyme Q

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If mitochondria produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation, then energy is generated, but reactive oxygen species are simultaneously produced causing cellular damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveATP productionVSAvoidreactive oxygen species
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs compounds containing quinone and hydroquinone groups that can reversibly accept and donate electrons, thereby converting the harmful reactive oxygen species into less harmful molecules while maintaining the mitochondrial energy production process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses compounds with redox-active quinone/hydroquinone groups as intermediary substances that mediate between the electron transport chain and reactive oxygen species, providing electron sinks that prevent ROS formation without disrupting ATP synthesis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If mitochondrial DNA remains unprotected within the mitochondrial membrane, then mitochondrial function is maintained, but mtDNA is easily damaged by free radicals and ROS

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemitochondrial functionVSAvoidmtDNA damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the quinone/hydroquinone redox couple to convert harmful oxidizing conditions into protective reducing environments, thereby protecting mtDNA from oxidative damage while preserving mitochondrial function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs compounds that preemptively scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species before they can damage mtDNA, providing a protective buffer that cushions the mitochondrial genome against oxidative stress

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9981994B2Pyrazole compounds, compositions and methods for treatment of degenerative diseases and disorders
Publication Date: 2018.05.29 MUSC FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT(US)
  • US9981994B2 patent drawing
  • US9981994B2 patent drawing
  • US9981994B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I):as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of degenerative diseases and disorders.