Identification of Selective Acyl Sulfonamide–Cycloalkylether Inhibitors of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel (Na V ) 1.7 with Potent Analgesic Activity

Herein, we report the discovery and optimization of a series of orally bioavailable acyl sulfonamide Na V 1.7 inhibitors that are selective for Na V 1.7 over Na V 1.5 and highly efficacious in in vivo models of pain and hNa V 1.7 target engagement. An analysis of the physicochemical properties of literature Na V 1.7 inhibitors suggested that acyl sulfonamides with high f sp3 could overcome some of the pharmacokinetic (PK) and efficacy challenges seen with existing series. Parallel library syntheses lead to the identification of analogue 7, which exhibited moderate potency against Na V 1.7 and an acceptable PK profile in rodents, but relatively poor stability in human liver microsomes. Further, design strategy then focused on the optimization of potency against hNa V 1.7 and improvement of human metabolic stability, utilizing induced fit docking in our previously disclosed X-ray cocrystal of the Na V 1.7 voltage sensing domain. These investigations culminated in the discovery of tool compound 33, one of the most potent and efficacious Na V 1.7 inhibitors reported to date.