We describe the discovery of histone
deacetylase (HDACs) 1, 2,
and 3 inhibitors with ethyl ketone as the zinc-binding group. These
HDACs 1, 2, and 3 inhibitors have good enzymatic and cellular activity.
Their serum shift in cellular potency has been minimized, and selectivity
against hERG has been improved. They are also highly selective over
HDACs 6 and 8. These inhibitors contain a variety of substituted heterocycles
on the imidazole or oxazole scaffold. Compounds 31 and 48 stand out due to their good potency, high selectivity over
HDACs 6 and 8, reduced hERG activity, optimized serum shift in cellular
potency, and good rat and dog PK profiles.