BMS-644950

A total of 39 microbes were screened for the ability to selectively N‐demethylate (3R,5S,E)‐7‐(4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐6‐isopropyl‐2‐(methyl(1‐methyl‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐yl)aminopyrimidin‐5‐yl)‐3,5‐dihydroxy‐hept‐6‐enoic acid (I), a potential drug for lowering blood cholesterol levels. Two Streptomyces species were found to carry out the desired N‐demethylation. Bioconversion by Streptomyces griseus A.T.C.C. 13273 and product recovery were scaled up to the multi‐gram level.

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase (HMGR) inhibitors, more commonly known as statins, represent the gold standard in treating hypercholesterolemia. Although statins are regarded as generally safe, they are known to cause myopathy and, in rare cases, rhabdomyolysis. Statin-dependent effects on plasma lipids are mediated through the inhibition of HMGR in the hepatocyte, whereas evidence suggests that myotoxicity is due to inhibition of HMGR within the myocyte. Thus, an inhibitor with increased selectivity for hepatocytes could potentially result in an improved therapeutic window. Implementation of a strategy that focused on in vitro potency, compound polarity, cell selectivity, and oral absorption, followed by extensive efficacy and safety modeling in guinea pig and rat, resulted in the identification of compound 1b (BMS-644950). Using this discovery pathway, we compared 1b to other marketed statins to demonstrate its outstanding efficacy and safety profile. With the potential to generate an excellent therapeutic window, 1b was advanced into clinical development.