(E)-4-(2-[[3-(indol-5-yl)-1-oxo-2-butenyl]amino]phenoxy)butyric acid derivatives: a new class of steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors in the rat prostate. 1.

A series of (E)-4-{2-[[3-(indol-5-yl)-1-oxo-2-butenyl]amino]phenoxy}butyric acid derivatives was prepared, and the derivatives were demonstrated to be potent inhibitors of steroid 5α-reductase in the rat prostate. The structure-activity relationships were as follows. An α-branched alkyl or benzyl substituent of proper size at position 1 of the indole is crucial for optimal enzyme inhibitory activity. N-Methylation of the amide NH resulted in complete loss of activity. Thus, coplanarity of the benzene ring and amide moiety is essential for such activity. Among the compounds prepared, (E)-4-(2-[[3-[1-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]indol-5-yl]-1-oxo-2-butenyl]-amino]phenoxy)butyric acid (57, KF18678) was one of the most potent compounds (rat prostate 5α-reductase IC 50 = 3.3 nM).