Novel 4,4-disubstituted piperidine-based C-C chemokine receptor-5 inhibitors with high potency against human immunodeficiency virus-1 and an improved human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) profile.

We recently described (J. Med. Chem. 2008, 51, 6538-6546) a novel class of CCR5 antagonists with strong anti-HIV potency. Herein, we detail SAR converting leads 1 and 2 to druglike molecules. The pivotal structural motif enabling this transition was the secondary sulfonamide substituent. Further fine-tuning of the substituent pattern in the sulfonamide paved the way to enhancing potency and bioavailability and minimizing hERG inhibition, resulting in discovery of clinical compound 122 (GSK163929).