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Selecting good 'drug-like' properties to optimize small molecule blood-brain barrier penetration

July 15th, 2016

In this review, the current state of knowledge in designing pharmacologically active small molecules to possess physicochemical properties sufficient to engender blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration is examined. The success rate to achieve clinical approval of drugs target to central nervous system (CNS) indications is the lowest of all disease states. We review and examine the physicochemical properties of drug molecules necessary to penetrate the BBB and conclude a list of properties, that if adhered to, would provide the greatest possible chance of a designed small molecule penetrating into the brain.

Minimize the number of hydrogen bond donors.
Exclude acid functionality.
Engender higher lipophilicity.
Retain a molecular weight below 500 Da.

From this list it can be seen that all of these physicochemical properties interrelate, providing a tangled web of challenges for CNS drug discovery. Above all, the pharmacophore of the small molecule responsible for the desired activity must be retained and worked into a structure that emphasizes the presented properties.

We review the concepts of BBB penetration including a discussion of the terminology of 'penetration', the physicochemical properties influencing BBB penetration, the In Silico, In Vitro and In Vivo methods and models available to measure BBB penetration, data analysis required and recommended for assessment of BBB penetration and look to forthcoming developments in the field.

This paper is meant to serve as a first point of reference for readers wishing to understand the basics of recent advances in BBB penetration by small molecules and those looking to ensure the best possible chance of designing a small molecule to enter the brain.

More information:
Paul C. Trippier, Selecting Good ‘Drug-Like’ Properties to Optimize Small Molecule Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration, Current Medicinal Chemistry (2016). DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666160405112353

Provided by Bentham Science Publishers

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