AS 1892802

AS 1892802 is a potent and selective inhibitor of ROCK with IC50 values of 52, 57 and 122 nM for human ROCK2, rat ROCK2 and human ROCK1, respectively [1].

Rho kinase (ROCK) is a serine-threonine kinase and is a downstream effector of Rho, a small GTP-bound protein. ROCK phosphorylates target proteins such as myosin light chain kinase and LIM kinase and regulates cellular shape modification, migration, growth and contraction [2].

AS 1892802 is a potent ROCK inhibitor. AS 1892802 inhibited ROCK1 and ROCK2 with IC50 values of 1.69 and 0.10 μM, respectively [3]. In ATDC5 cells, AS1892802 induce chondrocyte differentiation. In HIG82 cells, AS1892802 significantly inhibited prostaglandin E2 production induced by IL-1β or bradykinin [4].

In both an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model and a monoiodoacetate (MIA) -induced arthritis (MIA) rat model, AS1892802 showed potent antinociceptive effect with ED50 value of 0.15 mg/kg [1]. In monoiodoacetate-induced arthritis and streptozotocin-induced neuropathy models, AS1892802 showed analgesic effect [2]. In MIA-injected rats, the mRNA levels of ROCK I and II increased in knee joints. AS1892802 significantly inhibited cartilage damage in a dose-dependent way [4].

References:
[1].  Yoshimi E, Kumakura F, Hatori C, et al. Antinociceptive effects of AS1892802, a novel Rho kinase inhibitor, in rat models of inflammatory and noninflammatory arthritis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 2010, 334(3): 955-963.
[2].  Yoshimi E, Yamamoto H, Furuichi Y, et al. Sustained analgesic effect of the Rho kinase inhibitor AS1892802 in rat models of chronic pain. J Pharmacol Sci, 2010, 114(1): 119-122.
[3].  Li R, Martin MP, Liu Y, et al. Fragment-based and structure-guided discovery and optimization of Rho kinase inhibitors. J Med Chem, 2012, 55(5): 2474-2478.
[4].  Takeshita N, Yoshimi E, Hatori C, et al. Alleviating effects of AS1892802, a Rho kinase inhibitor, on osteoarthritic disorders in rodents. J Pharmacol Sci, 2011, 115(4): 481-489.

Fragment-based and structure-guided discovery and optimization of Rho kinase inhibitors.[Pubmed:22272748]

J Med Chem. 2012 Mar 8;55(5):2474-8.

Using high concentration biochemical assays and fragment-based screening assisted by structure-guided design, we discovered a novel class of Rho-kinase inhibitors. Compound 18 was equipotent for ROCK1 (IC(50) = 650 nM) and ROCK2 (IC(50) = 670 nM), whereas compound 24 was more selective for ROCK2 (IC(50) = 100 nM) over ROCK1 (IC(50) = 1690 nM). The crystal structure of the compound 18-ROCK1 complex revealed that 18 is a type 1 inhibitor that binds the hinge region in the ATP binding site. Compounds 18 and 24 inhibited potently the phosphorylation of the ROCK substrate MLC2 in intact human breast cancer cells.

Antinociceptive effects of AS1892802, a novel Rho kinase inhibitor, in rat models of inflammatory and noninflammatory arthritis.[Pubmed:20534789]

J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2010 Sep 1;334(3):955-63.

Rho kinase (ROCK) is involved in various physiological functions, including cell motility, vasoconstriction, and neurite extension. Although a functional role of ROCK in nociception in the central nervous tissue has been reported in neuropathy, the peripheral function of this protein in hyperalgesia is not known. In this study, antinociceptive effects of AS1892802 [1-[(1S)-2-hydroxy-1-phenylethyl]-3-[4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl]urea], a novel and highly selective ROCK inhibitor, were investigated in two rat models of arthritis. Orally administered AS1892802 exhibited potent antinociceptive effect in both an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model (inflammatory arthritis model) and a monoiodoacetate-induced arthritis (MIA) model (noninflammatory arthritis model), with an ED(50) of 0.15 mg/kg (MIA model). Fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, and tramadol were also effective in both models; however, diclofenac was effective only in the AIA model. The onset of antinociceptive effect of AS1892802 was as fast as those of tramadol and diclofenac. AS1892802 did not induce gastric irritation or abnormal behavior. Because AS1892802 rarely penetrates the central nervous tissue and is also effective by intra-articular administration, it seemed to function peripherally. These results suggest that AS1892802 has an attractive analgesic profile for the treatment of severe osteoarthritis pain.