Novel Octahydropyrrolo[3,4‑<i>c</i>]pyrroles Are Selective Orexin‑2 Antagonists: SAR Leading to a Clinical Candidate

The preclinical characterization of novel octahydro­pyrrolo­[3,4-c]­pyrroles that are potent and selective orexin-2 antagonists is described. Optimization of physicochemical and DMPK properties led to the discovery of compounds with tissue distribution and duration of action suitable for evaluation in the treatment of primary insomnia. These selective orexin-2 antagonists are proven to promote sleep in rats, and this work ultimately led to the identification of a compound that progressed into human clinical trials for the treatment of primary insomnia. The synthesis, SAR, and optimization of the pharmacokinetic properties of this series of compounds as well as the identification of the clinical candidate, JNJ-42847922 (34), are described herein.