Oral anti-pneumococcal activity and pharmacokinetic profiling of a novel peptide deformylase inhibitor

Objective: BB-81384, a novel peptide deformylase (PDF) inhibitor, was characterized in terms of enzyme inhibition profile, antibacterial activity, rodent pharmacokinetics and oral efficacy in murine infection models. Methods: MICs were determined by standard NCCLS broth microdilution. Selectivity of metalloenzyme inhibition was determined with a limited panel of enzymes via standard biochemical assays. Profiling of the pharmacokinetics and select tissue disposition in mice was determined and compared with that of the macrolide, azithromycin. In vivo murine efficacy studies using Streptococcus pneumoniae were conducted using a peritonitis model, as well as lung and thigh burden models of infection. Results: BB-81384 selectively inhibited PDF with an IC50 similar to10 nM and with MICs < 0.5 mg/L against most S. pneumoniae pathogens. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed good oral bioavailability and moderate clearance and volume of distribution. BB-81384 partitioning to lung tissue was similar in terms of magnitude and kinetics to that of the plasma compartment. Single-administration oral efficacy in a mouse peritonitis model was evident with an ED50 of 30 mg/kg. BB-81384 reduced the bacterial load by similar to5 and 3 log units in organ-burden models of lung and thigh infection, respectively. Conclusion: BB-81384, a novel PDF inhibitor with good activity against S. pneumoniae in vitro, was the first compound of this class to be profiled for oral pharmacokinetics and tissue disposition and to demonstrate oral anti-pneumococcal efficacy in mice.