Thromboxane synthase inhibitors. Synthesis and pharmacological activity of (R)-, (S)-, and (.+-.)-2,2-dimethyl-6-[2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1-[[(4-methoxyphenyl)methoxy]methyl]ethoxy]hexanoic acids

Abstract

A series of substituted .omega.-[2-(1-H-imidazol-1-yl)ethoxy]alkanoic acid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit thromboxane synthase both in vitro and in vivo. Compound 13 was identified as a potent and selective competitive inhibitor of human platelet thromboxane synthase having a Ki value of 9.6 .times. 10-8 M. In collagen-treated human whole blood, 13 potentiated levels of 6-ketoPGF1.alpha.. Enantiospecific synthesis afforded the R and S enantiomers of 13, of which the S enantiomer 13b was the more potent. Compounds 13 and 13b were potent in vivo inhibitors of thromboxane synthase with good oral activity and duration of action.