Design of novel and potent cPLA2α inhibitors containing an α-methyl-2-ketothiazole as a metabolically stable serine trap

Abstract We report the design of novel, potent cPLA 2 α inhibitors that possess an α-methyl-2-ketothiazole that acts as a serine-reactive moiety. We describe the optimization of the series for potency and metabolic stability towards ketone reduction. This was achieved by attenuating the reactivity of the ketone using a combination of electronic and steric effects.