4-Amino derivatives of the Hsp90 inhibitor CCT018159

Novel piperazinyl, morpholino and piperidyl derivatives of the pyrazole-based Hsp90 inhibitor CCT018159 are described. Structure–activity relationships have been elucidated by X-ray co-crystal analysis of the new compounds bound to the N-terminal domain of human Hsp90. Key features of the binding mode are essentially identical to the recently reported potent analogue VER-49009. The most potent of the new compounds has a methylsulfonylbenzyl substituent appended to the piperazine nitrogen, possesses an IC50 of less than 600 nM binding against the enzyme and demonstrates low micromolar inhibition of tumour cell proliferation.