Discovery of Indole-Based PDE5 Inhibitors: Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors have been suggested as new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Utilizing the widespread presence of the indole moiety in biomolecules and drugs, previously synthesized quinoline and naphthyridine compounds were modified into novel indole-containing PDE5 inhibitors. Replacing the amine with an amide group led to identifying a potent analogue, compound 14a, with an IC50 of 16.11 nM. Molecular docking simulations further highlight the significance of the amide group in drug-target interactions. A cytotoxicity test and a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay validated the compound’s potential as a lead for further drug development. Compound 14a was shown to be safe and blood-brain barrier permeable. The discovery of these indole-containing PDE5 inhibitors provides new perspectives for developing PDE5 therapeutics.