Sulfoximine-substituted trifluoromethylpyrimidine analogs as inhibitors of proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) show reduced hERG activity

Abstract The synthesis, in vitro properties, and in vivo pharmacokinetics for a series of sulfoximine-substituted trifluoromethylpyrimidines as inhibitors of proline-rich tyrosine kinase, a target for the possible treatment of osteoporosis, are described. These compounds were prepared as surrogates of the corresponding sulfone compound 1 . Sulfone 1 was an attractive PYK2 lead compound; however, subsequent studies determined this compound possessed high dofetilide binding, which is an early indicator of cardiovascular safety. Surprisingly, the corresponding sulfoximine analogs displayed significantly lower dofetilide binding, which, for N -methylsulfoximine ( S )- 14a , translated to lower activity in a patch clamp hERG K + ion channel screen. In addition, compound ( S )- 14a shows good oral exposure in a rat pharmacokinetic model.