Xanthine TRPC4/5 Modulators for Selective Ion Channel Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pharmaceuticals targeting TRPC4 and TRPC5 ion channels lack selectivity and efficacy in treating a range of diseases associated with abnormal function or expression, particularly in mental illnesses, neurological disorders, and other TRPC-related diseases.

Innovation Solution

Development of a class of xanthine compounds that act as regulators, specifically designed to inhibit or activate TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels, including inhibitors and agonists.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing pharmaceuticals targeting TRPC4 and TRPC5 ion channels are used, then some therapeutic effect is achieved, but selectivity and efficacy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveselectivityVSAvoidefficacy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of xanthine compounds by changing parameters such as substituting hydrogen atoms at specific positions (e.g., 6-position with cycloalkyl groups, 7-position with heteroaryl groups) to achieve optimal balance between selectivity for TRPC4/5 channels and therapeutic efficacy across multiple disease indications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates composite molecular structures by combining xanthine core scaffold with various functional groups and substituents (cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, carbonyl groups) to produce compounds that simultaneously target TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels with high selectivity while addressing multiple pathologies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If TRPC4/5 inhibitors are developed to treat mental illnesses, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but side effects and safety profile worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidside effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific local structural features at particular positions of the xanthine molecule (e.g., cycloalkyl groups at 6-position, heteroaryl groups at 7-position) to create localized interactions that enhance selectivity for TRPC4/5 channels while minimizing off-target effects on other ion channels and receptors, thereby reducing side effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses computational modeling and structure-activity relationship analysis to virtual screen and prioritize compounds with optimal binding characteristics to TRPC4/5 channels, selecting molecules that replicate successful lead compounds while improving safety profile through systematic molecular optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If TRPC5 inhibitors are used to treat kidney diseases, then proteinuria is reduced, but renal function and safety worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproteinuria reductionVSAvoidrenal function safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes pharmacokinetic parameters such as bioavailability, half-life, and dose-response characteristics of xanthine compounds to achieve sufficient TRPC5 channel inhibition for proteinuria reduction while maintaining safe renal function through controlled exposure and minimized off-target effects on other renal ion channels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If xanthine compounds are synthesized with complex structures, then selectivity and efficacy are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveselectivityVSAvoidsynthesis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complex xanthine compound synthesis into modular steps, introducing functional groups and substituents in sequential stages (e.g., first establishing the xanthine core, then adding cycloalkyl groups at 6-position, followed by heteroaryl groups at 7-position), which simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining high selectivity and efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4663640A1Xanthine compound and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 SHANGHAI INSTITUTE OF MATERIA MEDICA CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
  • EP4663640A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4663640A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4663640A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A xanthine compound and the use thereof. The structure of the compound is as shown in formula I-a, wherein the definition of each substituent is as described in the description and claims. The compound of formula I-a is an inhibitor or an agonist of TRPC4 and TRPC5 ion channels, and has a potential application value in preventing, delaying or treating diseases related to abnormal function or expression of TRPC4/5.